'Serial car thief' arrested in Beitbridge

A man who had been on the run for nearly two years after allegedly stealing a Toyota Fortuner GD6 worth US$25 000 has been arrested in Beitbridge, where he had reportedly been hiding after committing another vehicle theft in South Africa.

The suspect, Obrien Nyambirai Madzokere, appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Archie Wochiwunga facing a charge of theft. He was remanded in custody to November 11 for trial. Madzokere is being represented by lawyer Mr Tinashe Tashaya.

Prosecutor Mr Owen Mugari told the court that in August 2022, the complainant, Ms Patience Musonza, engaged Madzokere to assist her in purchasing a vehicle and specifically requested a Toyota Fortuner GD6.

A few days later, Madzokere allegedly contacted Musonza, claiming that a car dealer named Rawland Machona was selling the vehicle at his car sale in Beitbridge. Machona later called Musonza confirming that he was selling the Fortuner and sent her pictures and videos of the car. Satisfied with the offer, Musonza agreed to buy the vehicle.

The court heard that Musonza paid US$25 000 to Madzokere after signing an agreement of sale he had sent her. She also signed an affidavit authorising Machona to release the vehicle to Madzokere so he could deliver it to her.

However, after collecting the vehicle, Madzokere allegedly disappeared and failed to deliver it as promised. All efforts to locate him were unsuccessful, prompting Musonza to report the matter to the police.

Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad arrested Madzokere last Tuesday following a tip-off that he had resurfaced in Beitbridge. Investigations revealed that he had recently returned from South Africa, where he was accused of stealing a BMW.

Madzokere remains in custody as investigations continue.