News / National
Suspected car thief appears in court for stealing 2 vehicles
07 Dec 2024 at 13:09hrs | Views
A 45-year-old man, Sean Manakira, has appeared in court on allegations of stealing two vehicles. Manakira, who faces charges of theft of trust property, was granted US$300 bail by a Harare magistrate.
The accused is facing two separate charges. The first set of allegations dates back to October 2023, when Manakira was entrusted with US$14,000 by Faison Samambwa to purchase a Toyota Lexus from South Africa. According to the charges, Manakira informed Samambwa in March 2024 that he had imported the vehicle, and that it was in the process of being cleared by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
However, when Samambwa made inquiries about the vehicle, Manakira reportedly became evasive, refusing to return the vehicle or refund the complainant's money. This prompted Samambwa to make a police report. As of now, the stolen amount is said to be US$14,000, with no vehicle or funds recovered.
In a second incident, Jonathan Makwade, the complainant in the second count, allegedly gave Manakira a Toyota Fortuner (registration number AFU6438) in July 2024 for regularisation by ZIMRA, with the understanding that Manakira would return the vehicle once the duty was paid. Two weeks later, when Makwade followed up on the vehicle, Manakira failed to return it and provided unsatisfactory responses. This led to Makwade also reporting the theft to the police, resulting in Manakira's arrest.
The court is yet to hear further details of the case, and Manakira is set to return to court for further proceedings.
The accused is facing two separate charges. The first set of allegations dates back to October 2023, when Manakira was entrusted with US$14,000 by Faison Samambwa to purchase a Toyota Lexus from South Africa. According to the charges, Manakira informed Samambwa in March 2024 that he had imported the vehicle, and that it was in the process of being cleared by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
However, when Samambwa made inquiries about the vehicle, Manakira reportedly became evasive, refusing to return the vehicle or refund the complainant's money. This prompted Samambwa to make a police report. As of now, the stolen amount is said to be US$14,000, with no vehicle or funds recovered.
In a second incident, Jonathan Makwade, the complainant in the second count, allegedly gave Manakira a Toyota Fortuner (registration number AFU6438) in July 2024 for regularisation by ZIMRA, with the understanding that Manakira would return the vehicle once the duty was paid. Two weeks later, when Makwade followed up on the vehicle, Manakira failed to return it and provided unsatisfactory responses. This led to Makwade also reporting the theft to the police, resulting in Manakira's arrest.
The court is yet to hear further details of the case, and Manakira is set to return to court for further proceedings.
Source - the herald
