Edwin Tatenda Musiiwa, 33, of Glenorah B, Harare, was charged with motor vehicle theft when he appeared at the Magistrates’ Court.
According to the State, on the 16th of December 2023 at around 0100hours, the complainant, Cosmas Zitsenga (28) arrived at Glenorah B shops, parked his unregistered white Mazda Demio and slept inside the motor vehicle with windows closed but the doors unlocked.
The accused person and his two accomplices who are still at large, approached the complainant’s vehicle, whilst he was fast asleep, opening the doors and searching him. They stole a Samsung A32 cellphone, brown wallet with USD2370, his driver’s licence, national identity card and the car keys before disappearing.
The complainant later woke up, discovered the offence and proceeded to his brother’s place so that he could accompany him to make a police report. He left the car unattended and doors unlocked.
The accused person, who had the complainant’s keys, took advantage of the complainant’s absence and stole the vehicle. The accused person was arrested on the 17th of January 2024 in the Nyastime area of Chitungwiza following a tip-off.
The motor vehicle was recovered from a man who was holding it as collateral after the accused person borrowed money from him and left the car in his possession.
The total value stolen is USD10 020 and USD 7 500 was recovered.
The accused person was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment of which 2years were suspended for 5 years. A further 2 years was suspended on condition of restitution.
He will serve 6 years effectively.
