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Suspected car thief Brighton Chipunza's trial postponed
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The ongoing trial of suspected car thief Brighton Chipunza was yesterday postponed to February 27 after his lawyer failed to appear in court, reportedly due to other legal commitments.
Chipunza is accused of stealing a white South African-registered Toyota Fortuner from a city car wash late last year. The case has drawn significant public interest, with many eager to see its resolution.
The matter is being presided over by regional magistrate Mr. Joseph Mabeza, with Mr. Dominic Moyo representing the State. Mr. Khulekani Sibanda of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers is representing Chipunza and Amen Matayi Ncube, while Mr. Goodluck Katanaire of Mutuso Taruvinga and Mhiribidi Attorneys is representing Julius Chitunhu.
Investigations began after the vehicle's owner, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, reported the theft last year. She utilized a vehicle tracking company, which helped locate the stolen car using GPS technology. The tracking system pinpointed the vehicle in Harare, where law enforcement officers apprehended Chitunhu.
Further inquiry into the case has uncovered WhatsApp conversations between Chipunza and the suspected buyer, suggesting a deeper connection to a possible car theft syndicate.
According to the State's case, on November 18 at around 10 AM, Ms. Ncube assigned her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli (35), to take the vehicle to the Tunnel car wash for cleaning. The car was locked, and the keys were placed on top of a hoover at the car wash. By 4 PM, when Ms. Ncube returned, the vehicle was missing, and staff confirmed it had been stolen. The matter was then reported to the police.
Investigators from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) discovered that CCTV cameras at the car wash had been deactivated. The vehicle's tracking system later indicated its location in Harare, where efforts were made with the South African tracking company to reactivate the tracker. The engine chassis number had also been ground off.
Chipunza has a history of alleged involvement in car theft. Three years ago, he was accused of selling a stolen Ford Ranger King Cab to a local car dealer in exchange for a BMW 325 Convertible valued at US$10,000 and a US$2,500 top-up. The Ford Ranger was later identified as stolen when the buyer attempted to resell it.
Additionally, Chipunza has been implicated in the theft of a prominent Bulawayo businessman's daughter's vehicle, which was stolen in December last year outside a luxury entertainment establishment.
Car theft remains a major issue in Zimbabwe, with a concerning rise in reported incidents in recent months. However, Chipunza continues to maintain his innocence throughout the trial.
Chipunza is accused of stealing a white South African-registered Toyota Fortuner from a city car wash late last year. The case has drawn significant public interest, with many eager to see its resolution.
The matter is being presided over by regional magistrate Mr. Joseph Mabeza, with Mr. Dominic Moyo representing the State. Mr. Khulekani Sibanda of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers is representing Chipunza and Amen Matayi Ncube, while Mr. Goodluck Katanaire of Mutuso Taruvinga and Mhiribidi Attorneys is representing Julius Chitunhu.
Investigations began after the vehicle's owner, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, reported the theft last year. She utilized a vehicle tracking company, which helped locate the stolen car using GPS technology. The tracking system pinpointed the vehicle in Harare, where law enforcement officers apprehended Chitunhu.
Further inquiry into the case has uncovered WhatsApp conversations between Chipunza and the suspected buyer, suggesting a deeper connection to a possible car theft syndicate.
Investigators from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) discovered that CCTV cameras at the car wash had been deactivated. The vehicle's tracking system later indicated its location in Harare, where efforts were made with the South African tracking company to reactivate the tracker. The engine chassis number had also been ground off.
Chipunza has a history of alleged involvement in car theft. Three years ago, he was accused of selling a stolen Ford Ranger King Cab to a local car dealer in exchange for a BMW 325 Convertible valued at US$10,000 and a US$2,500 top-up. The Ford Ranger was later identified as stolen when the buyer attempted to resell it.
Additionally, Chipunza has been implicated in the theft of a prominent Bulawayo businessman's daughter's vehicle, which was stolen in December last year outside a luxury entertainment establishment.
Car theft remains a major issue in Zimbabwe, with a concerning rise in reported incidents in recent months. However, Chipunza continues to maintain his innocence throughout the trial.
Source - The Chronicle
