Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
A MAN who had been on the run for two years after allegedly disappearing with a Toyota Fortuner GD6 worth US$25 000, has been arrested in Beitbridge, where he had been hiding after stealing another vehicle — a BMW — in South Africa.
Obrien Nyambirai Madzokere, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Archie Wochiwunga, facing a charge of theft. He was remanded in custody to November 11 for commencement of trial. He is represented by lawyer, Mr Tinashe Tashaya.
Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari told the court that in August 2022, the complainant, Ms Patience Musonza, engaged Madzokere to assist her in purchasing a vehicle. She had specifically requested a Toyota Fortuner GD6.
“After a couple of days, Madzokere called Musonza and told her that there was a car dealer named Rawland Machona who was selling a Toyota Fortuner GD6 at his car sale in Beitbridge,” said Mr Mugari.
Later the same day, Machona contacted Musonza, confirming he was selling the vehicle. He allegedly sent her pictures and videos of the car, and Musonza decided to proceed with the purchase.
The court heard that the car was priced at US$25 000, which Musonza gave to Madzokere after signing an agreement of sale he had forwarded to her. She also signed an affidavit authorising Machona to release the vehicle to Madzokere so he could deliver it to her.
However, Madzokere allegedly collected the vehicle and never delivered it, before vanishing.
Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad arrested him last Tuesday after receiving a tip-off that he had resurfaced in Beitbridge, reportedly arriving from South Africa where he had stolen a BMW.
