Harare man in violent carjacking in Bulawayo

A 21-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to an effective seven years in prison after being convicted of stealing a vehicle from a doctor in a violent carjacking incident in Bulawayo.

Shaun Gonzo appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mathew Mutiro, where he pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle.

The court heard that Gonzo targeted the complainant, Dr Blessing Mutsawashe Mupuriri, while she was parked in the Central Business District near Mpilo Central Hospital.

He allegedly requested transport to Emganwini, promising to pay upon arrival. However, upon reaching the destination area, he instructed the doctor to continue driving before suddenly attacking her.

According to the prosecution, Gonzo grabbed the complainant by the neck, threatened to kill her, switched off the ignition, and forcibly took control of the vehicle before driving away, leaving her stranded and traumatised.

Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that the offence was premeditated, as Gonzo had directed the complainant to a secluded area before carrying out the attack.

"The offence was premeditated… Gonzo asked to be transported to Emganwini suburb, then forcefully pushed the complainant out of the vehicle and drove off at high speed," the magistrate said in his ruling.

Police from the Vehicle Theft Squad launched an investigation which led to Gonzo's arrest and the recovery of the stolen Mazda Demio, along with the victim's Samsung Note 20. However, the vehicle was recovered in a damaged state, with repairs estimated at around US$1,500.

In sentencing, Magistrate Mutiro imposed a 10-year prison term, suspending two years on condition of good behaviour and a further year on condition of restitution to the victim. Gonzo will effectively serve seven years behind bars.

The magistrate noted that the offence was serious and increasingly common, emphasizing that the victim had been left traumatised by the violent attack.