News / National
Bulawayo car dealer to appear in court
2 hrs ago | Views
Prominent Bulawayo car dealer and socialite Brighton Chipunza, known as "Dash," is set to appear in court today for a bail ruling following allegations of stealing a luxury vehicle from a car wash.
Chipunza, who was initially scheduled for a hearing yesterday, had his case postponed due to other pending matters before the magistrate. The case will now be heard by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs. Benhilda Chiundura.
Incident Sparks Public Interest
The case has drawn significant public attention, amplified by Chipunza's conduct outside the courtroom on Wednesday. He reportedly threatened the complainant, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, telling her to "watch her back," and insulted journalists covering the case.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Chipunza was arrested last Friday for allegedly stealing a South African-registered Toyota Fortuner from Tunnel Car Wash, located on the outskirts of Bulawayo's city centre.
Prosecutor Mr. Dominic Moyo, opposing bail, argued that Chipunza is a flight risk and noted his involvement in other pending cases.
The stolen vehicle was traced using GPS tracking technology, which led police to Harare, where a suspected accomplice, Julius Chitunhu, was apprehended. Chitunhu, who appeared in court and was granted bail of ZWL$10,000, is scheduled to stand trial on December 11.
Key Evidence Points to Syndicate Links
Investigators uncovered WhatsApp chats between Chipunza, Chitunhu, and a potential buyer, which the prosecution alleges ties Chipunza to the crime. The messages have raised suspicions of a larger car theft syndicate operating in the region.
According to the prosecution, on November 18, Ms. Ncube instructed her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli, to take the vehicle to Tunnel Car Wash for cleaning.
"Thuli handed over the vehicle to Panashe Dube, an employee at the car wash. After cleaning, Dube locked the car and left the keys inside the car wash premises," said Mr. Moyo.
Later that day, Ms. Ncube went to collect her vehicle only to discover it missing. Car wash staff confirmed the car had been stolen, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reactions
Chipunza's legal troubles have highlighted concerns about rising car theft incidents in Bulawayo and possible networks facilitating such crimes. As the court ruling looms, residents are closely monitoring the case, which has underscored the importance of technology in combating vehicle theft.
Should bail be denied, Chipunza will remain in custody as investigations continue into his alleged role in the suspected syndicate.
Chipunza, who was initially scheduled for a hearing yesterday, had his case postponed due to other pending matters before the magistrate. The case will now be heard by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs. Benhilda Chiundura.
Incident Sparks Public Interest
The case has drawn significant public attention, amplified by Chipunza's conduct outside the courtroom on Wednesday. He reportedly threatened the complainant, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, telling her to "watch her back," and insulted journalists covering the case.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Chipunza was arrested last Friday for allegedly stealing a South African-registered Toyota Fortuner from Tunnel Car Wash, located on the outskirts of Bulawayo's city centre.
Prosecutor Mr. Dominic Moyo, opposing bail, argued that Chipunza is a flight risk and noted his involvement in other pending cases.
The stolen vehicle was traced using GPS tracking technology, which led police to Harare, where a suspected accomplice, Julius Chitunhu, was apprehended. Chitunhu, who appeared in court and was granted bail of ZWL$10,000, is scheduled to stand trial on December 11.
Investigators uncovered WhatsApp chats between Chipunza, Chitunhu, and a potential buyer, which the prosecution alleges ties Chipunza to the crime. The messages have raised suspicions of a larger car theft syndicate operating in the region.
According to the prosecution, on November 18, Ms. Ncube instructed her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli, to take the vehicle to Tunnel Car Wash for cleaning.
"Thuli handed over the vehicle to Panashe Dube, an employee at the car wash. After cleaning, Dube locked the car and left the keys inside the car wash premises," said Mr. Moyo.
Later that day, Ms. Ncube went to collect her vehicle only to discover it missing. Car wash staff confirmed the car had been stolen, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reactions
Chipunza's legal troubles have highlighted concerns about rising car theft incidents in Bulawayo and possible networks facilitating such crimes. As the court ruling looms, residents are closely monitoring the case, which has underscored the importance of technology in combating vehicle theft.
Should bail be denied, Chipunza will remain in custody as investigations continue into his alleged role in the suspected syndicate.
Source - The Herald
