Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
IF excuses were fuel, some men would never run out of petrol. A Bulawayo “mechanic” turned a repair job into a disappearing car show, complete with bonus lies and zero refunds.
John Mudhanisi (27) of Evelyn High School Quarters has been sentenced to 38 months behind bars after pulling off what courts described as a textbook case of trust abuse with wheels.
The complainant, Patricia Wamambo, had known Mudhanisi and trusted him enough to hand over her yellow Nissan March in January 2025. The deal was simple. Fix the car, advertise it for sale and report back. Easy enough, right?
Instead, Mudhanisi reportedly sold the Nissan March registration ADD8252 to an unknown buyer and quietly converted every cent to personal enjoyment. When questions started flying, he produced a creative solution. A beige Toyota Raum.
He claimed it was part of a swap deal, as if cars casually exchange owners like greetings. Before Wamambo could even warm up to her new ride, Mudhanisi vanished again, this time with the Raum too.
His phone went off, his address changed and his promises evaporated. Wamambo finally took the matter to the police, ending the grand car juggling act.
The court heard that the stolen Nissan March was valued at US$1 800 and nothing has been recovered, not even a spare tyre or apology.
Mudhanisi appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso after failing spectacularly to honour the agreement involving a motor vehicle and basic honesty.
Magistrate Chimiso handed Mudhanisi a 38 month prison sentence.
