Village mechanic jailed for selling employer's car on day 1 of work

A 32-year-old village mechanic from Chikuruwo Village has been sentenced to prison after stealing and selling his employer's vehicle on the very day he was hired as a taxi driver.

Promise Musendo appeared before Tendai Mahwe at the Rusape Magistrates' Court, where he faced one count of theft of trust property. He was not represented in court and pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that Musendo stole a Toyota Raum valued at US$2,000, which belonged to Morgan Madimu.

Magistrate Mahwe sentenced him to 36 months' imprisonment. Of this, 12 months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while another 12 months were suspended on condition that he makes restitution. The remaining 12 months were conditionally suspended upon completion of 420 hours of community service.

Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Musendo disappeared with the vehicle on the same day he had been entrusted with it in 2025. He remained at large until his arrest this year, after selling the car through a local dealer.

The case highlights ongoing concerns around abuse of trust in informal employment arrangements, particularly within the transport sector.