Andrew
Online Reporter
A HABITUAL car thief appeared in court on Thursday facing three counts of stealing motor vehicles, as well as unlawful possession of firearms.
Joffrey Tapera (27), who lives in Chitungwiza, has been in the habit of stealing cars and getting away with the crime twice.
Harare magistrate, Mrs Yeukai Dzuda, charged Tapera with robbery of a motor vehicle as defined in Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:13), attempted robbery as defined as read with Section 189 of the same Act, and unlawful possession of firearms in terms of the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09).
In one of the cases, prosecutor, Ms Lynntte Gwarisa, said on February 23, 2022 around 0009 hours, the complainant (Fungai William) was driving his motor vehicle, a white Geely MK15 along Chitungwiza-Machipisa road going to Margolis, Waterfalls, and Harare.
He offered transport to five unknown male adults. One of the accused persons indicated that he was going to DDF turn-off, while the other four accused persons wanted to go to Mbudzi Roundabout.
One of the accused persons occupied the front passenger seat, while the other four occupied the rear passenger seat. Upon arrival at DDF turn off in Stoneridge, Waterfalls, Harare, one of the accused persons indicated that he had arrived and the complainant pulled the motor vehicle off the road.
One of the accused people grabbed the complainant by the neck and started to assault him with clenched fists.
Ms Gwarisa added that the complainant managed to run away leaving the motor vehicle with keys on the ignition port then the accused drove away the complainant’s motor vehicle with the complainant’s cash amounting to US$550 and two cellphones.
During the same night, the accused persons ran out of fuel and they dumped the motor vehicle along Amalinda road.
Four of the other accused are still at large.
Tapera has been remanded in custody to March 11, 2022.
Online Reporter