adminLuthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
TWO Mozambicans were last week arraigned before Chipinge Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a motorcycle worth $1 500 belonging to Green Fuel.The duo, David Chihlangu (31) and Isaiah Phineas Makama (46), both of Masenjeni Village under Chief Chihlangu in Masenjeni District, Mozambique appeared before senior magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing theft charges as defined in Section 113(a)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.They both pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In denying the charge, the first accused, Chihlangu told the court that he was sent by his friend to sell the motorcycle on his behalf, while the second accused, Makama said he had just accompanied the former to sell the motorcycle.
The motorcycle which was in the custody of a Green Fuel employee, Solomon Chikambure, was sold to Kudakwashe Machave of Checheche Growth Point for $700.
Prosecuting, Mr Regis Mawarire, said on July 24 and at around midnight, Chihlangu and Makama connived to steal the motorcycle and went to the complainant’s place.
“While there, they went to where the motorcycle was parked in the veranda and stole it.
“On September 12, Sergeant Pachavo of ZRP Chisumbanje received information to the effect that the stolen motorcycle had been spotted parked at Checheche Growth Point.
“He went to investigate and discovered that the motorcycle was in the custody of Machave. Machave said he had bought it from Chihlangu and Makama. Machave was arrested.
‘‘He managed to contact the two suspects from their Mozambique base.
“On September 18, Machave and his friend, Alouis Makusha lured the accused persons from Mozambique. They phoned and lied to them that they wanted another motorcycle to buy.
Chihlangu and Makama rushed to Machave’s residence at Checheche Growth Point leading to their arrest,” said Mr Mawarire.
The two will appear in court again today (Friday) for trial.
Online Reporter