adminLeonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
POLICE in Victoria Falls have arrested a man known for siphoning fuel from people’s vehicles in the resort town.
Zenzo Ncube, 32, from Mkhosana suburb appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Sharon Rosemani charged with assault and theft after he allegedly beat up some residents who had apprehended him.
He denies the charges.
“I was on my way to work when some people approached me shouting and they suddenly grabbed me before assaulting me,” said Ncube in his defence.
He said he then picked a piece of wood, which he used to fight back and block the metal bar that his alleged assailants used to beat him with, with one of them carrying a knife.
For the state, Listen Nare invited Petros Tavengwa who told the court that although he did not see Ncube draining fuel from his car at his house as he was not around, neighbours told him that he (Ncube) was notorious for siphoning fuel.
“I was coming from an all-night prayer when suddenly I saw a mob holding the accused saying they caught him stealing fuel,” he said.
Ncube had allegedly drained 30 litres from Tavengwa’s car.
It is alleged he drained fuel from another house in Chinotimba Township where Sicelo Nkala had parked his two cars at night recently.
An investigating officer told the court that Ncube led them to where he had hidden a 25-litre container he had used to steal the fuel, which he allegedly put into his car.
Trial continues on August 8.
derick.khumalo