News / National
Duo steal govt vehicle
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Two men appeared in court yesterday on charges of stealing a Government-owned vehicle from the central business district (CBD) and allegedly planning to repair and resell it. Peace Batanai Tsara (26) and Norman Muyambiri (23) were arraigned before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Tilda Mazhande, facing theft of a motor vehicle charges.
The suspects were informed they must apply for bail at the High Court. Their next court appearance has been scheduled for January 31.
The complainant in the case, represented by Mr. Desire Zanhi, a deputy director within the Government, alleged that a red Mazda 82200 SD% truck owned by the Government broke down in 2022 and was parked at Cecil House Parking Bay on Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare.
According to prosecutor Ms. Mercy Masamvi, the informant secured the vehicle by locking it and closing its windows before leaving it at the parking bay around 3 PM on August 19. However, around 8 PM the same evening, the accused allegedly hired a tow truck and removed the vehicle from its location.
The theft was discovered the following morning and promptly reported to the police. On January 12, detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (CID VTS) in Harare received information leading to the arrest of Tsara and Muyambiri.
Under interrogation, the suspects directed detectives to a house in New Tafara, Mabvuku, where the stolen truck was being concealed. The vehicle was reportedly in the process of being repainted to disguise its original appearance.
The complainant positively identified the truck through its chassis and engine numbers at the CID VTS office. The vehicle, valued at $3,000 USD, was recovered intact.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the case, and the suspects remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The suspects were informed they must apply for bail at the High Court. Their next court appearance has been scheduled for January 31.
The complainant in the case, represented by Mr. Desire Zanhi, a deputy director within the Government, alleged that a red Mazda 82200 SD% truck owned by the Government broke down in 2022 and was parked at Cecil House Parking Bay on Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare.
According to prosecutor Ms. Mercy Masamvi, the informant secured the vehicle by locking it and closing its windows before leaving it at the parking bay around 3 PM on August 19. However, around 8 PM the same evening, the accused allegedly hired a tow truck and removed the vehicle from its location.
The theft was discovered the following morning and promptly reported to the police. On January 12, detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (CID VTS) in Harare received information leading to the arrest of Tsara and Muyambiri.
Under interrogation, the suspects directed detectives to a house in New Tafara, Mabvuku, where the stolen truck was being concealed. The vehicle was reportedly in the process of being repainted to disguise its original appearance.
The complainant positively identified the truck through its chassis and engine numbers at the CID VTS office. The vehicle, valued at $3,000 USD, was recovered intact.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the case, and the suspects remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Source - the herald
