News / National
Bulawayo court uncovers potential car theft syndicate
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A Bulawayo magistrate has denied bail to prominent car dealer and socialite Brighton Chipunza, citing compelling evidence that he poses a flight risk and might interfere with witnesses. Chipunza, who was arrested in connection with the theft of a South African-registered Toyota Fortuner, will remain in custody until December 11.
The decision was delivered by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs. Benhilda Chiundura yesterday, with the complainant, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, visibly relieved and shedding tears of joy at the court's ruling. Chipunza, known in local circles by his street name "Dash," appeared stunned and froze in the dock as the decision was announced.
Prior to the ruling, Chipunza made an allegation of assault, claiming that he had been slapped three times by a prison guard, identified only as Gore, while being held in the magistrate's court holding cells. Chipunza said the assault resulted in hearing difficulties in his right ear and a "severe" headache, though the claim was not substantiated during the hearing.
Chipunza's arrest last Friday followed the theft of the Toyota Fortuner from a car wash on the outskirts of Bulawayo's city center. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with speculation that Chipunza may be involved in a broader network of car theft activities. It has been reported that additional charges related to car theft are imminent.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. Dominic Moyo, the investigation into the vehicle's theft began when Ms. Ncube reported the incident to authorities. Using GPS tracking technology provided by a vehicle tracking company, Ms. Ncube was able to locate the stolen vehicle. This led law enforcement officers to Harare, where they apprehended a suspected accomplice, Julius Chitunhu, who has since been remanded on ZW$10,000 bail, awaiting trial.
Further investigation revealed a series of WhatsApp messages between Chipunza and a suspected buyer, along with communications involving Chitunhu, suggesting a potential car theft syndicate. The electronic records have placed Chipunza at the heart of the alleged criminal activity.
The incident occurred on November 18 when Ms. Ncube entrusted her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli, with her Toyota Fortuner to be cleaned at the Tunnel car wash. After cleaning the vehicle, Panashe Dube, an employee at the car wash, parked it outside under a tree shed, locking it and taking the keys with him. However, when Ms. Ncube arrived later that day to collect her vehicle, it was missing. She was informed by the staff that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting her to report the crime to the police.
As investigations continue, the case has raised questions about the extent of car theft syndicates in the region and the involvement of individuals like Chipunza in organized criminal activities. Authorities have vowed to pursue all leads in bringing those responsible for the theft and any related criminal activities to justice.
The decision was delivered by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs. Benhilda Chiundura yesterday, with the complainant, Ms. Silibaziso Ncube, visibly relieved and shedding tears of joy at the court's ruling. Chipunza, known in local circles by his street name "Dash," appeared stunned and froze in the dock as the decision was announced.
Prior to the ruling, Chipunza made an allegation of assault, claiming that he had been slapped three times by a prison guard, identified only as Gore, while being held in the magistrate's court holding cells. Chipunza said the assault resulted in hearing difficulties in his right ear and a "severe" headache, though the claim was not substantiated during the hearing.
Chipunza's arrest last Friday followed the theft of the Toyota Fortuner from a car wash on the outskirts of Bulawayo's city center. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with speculation that Chipunza may be involved in a broader network of car theft activities. It has been reported that additional charges related to car theft are imminent.
Further investigation revealed a series of WhatsApp messages between Chipunza and a suspected buyer, along with communications involving Chitunhu, suggesting a potential car theft syndicate. The electronic records have placed Chipunza at the heart of the alleged criminal activity.
The incident occurred on November 18 when Ms. Ncube entrusted her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli, with her Toyota Fortuner to be cleaned at the Tunnel car wash. After cleaning the vehicle, Panashe Dube, an employee at the car wash, parked it outside under a tree shed, locking it and taking the keys with him. However, when Ms. Ncube arrived later that day to collect her vehicle, it was missing. She was informed by the staff that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting her to report the crime to the police.
As investigations continue, the case has raised questions about the extent of car theft syndicates in the region and the involvement of individuals like Chipunza in organized criminal activities. Authorities have vowed to pursue all leads in bringing those responsible for the theft and any related criminal activities to justice.
Source - The Chronicle
