Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A 42-year-old man from Bulawayo has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus valued at US$7 000 and crashing it into a precast wall while attempting to flee.
Jonathan Mpofu, of New Lobengula suburb, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a valid licence, and driving without due care and attention.
He was remanded in custody until September 15.
Prosecuting, Ms Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that the incident occurred on September 6 at around 5AM in Emakhandeni suburb.
“Mr Lewis Ndlovu had parked his vehicle in his yard, intending to clean it. He left the engine running with the keys in the ignition and went inside the house to collect cleaning materials. The accused took advantage of the unattended vehicle, got inside and drove it away,” she said.
The second charge arose from the fact that Mpofu did not possess a valid driver’s licence, while the third related to his reckless driving.
“He drove the vehicle without due care and attention while attempting to evade arrest and crashed into a precast wall at a house in Emakhandeni. The vehicle was extensively damaged,” said Ms Mhlanga.
