MOTORIST ACCUSED OF CAR THEFT, LUCKY TO ESCAPE MOB JUSTICE

Arron Nyamayaro

A MOTORIST was almost bashed in the Harare CBD on Saturday after being wrongly identified as a thief, who was driving a stolen car.

Glispen Matangira was accused by Tinashe Mapiye of driving a stolen vehicle.

Tinashe took the car keys, shouting “thief, thief” and a mob gathered baying for Glispen’s blood.

Glispen’s pleas that he was an innocent man fell on deaf ears.

Glispen, who was in the company of his friend, remained stuck in the car, called the police and was led to Harare Central Police Station.

At the police station, it was established that Tinashe’s car was not stolen but he was yet to receive money for the vehicle he gave his uncle permission to sell in January last year.

His uncle was called to the police station and confirmed selling the vehicle and not giving the money to Tinashe.

The uncle was subsequently arrested.

“I was nearly killed by the crowd after Tinashe pulled out my vehicle keys and started shouting and claiming I was a thief.

“It drew the attention of the public and we remained in the car since I was innocent.

“Tinashe never lodged a police report that he lost his car.

“He did not have the registration book of the vehicle and had given his uncle permission to sell the car.

“He had been looking for the car instead of facing his uncle to give him his share of the money.

“I first suspected that he was being used by car thieves.

“Police responded fast and rescued us,” said Glispen.

Tinashe’s plea for his uncle to be released from police cells hit a brick wall.

His uncle is now facing theft of trust property charges.