Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara [email protected]
A UNLICENCED New Lobengula man who allegedly stole a Toyota Hiace kombi before smashing it into a precast wall while fleeing from police has begged the court to grant him legal representation.
Jonathan Mpofu (42) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira facing charges of motor vehicle theft, reckless driving, and driving without a licence. He was remanded in custody to 25 September to allow him to secure a lawyer.
Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that the incident happened at around 5AM on 6 September in Emakhandeni.
“Mr Lewis Ndlovu had left his kombi idling outside his home while he went inside to collect cleaning materials. Mpofu allegedly took advantage of the situation and sped off with the vehicle,” she said.
The court heard that Mpofu, who had no driver’s licence, drove recklessly in a bid to evade arrest.
His joyride came to a dramatic end when he lost control and rammed the kombi into a precast wall at a house in Emakhandeni, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged.
The Toyota Hiace, valued at about US$7 000, was completely wrecked in the crash.
