Man Charged with Theft After Allegedly Reclaiming ...

Man Charged with Theft After Allegedly Reclaiming Sold Car

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A man has been arraigned in court for allegedly selling his car to a complainant and later reclaiming it, contrary to their agreement.

Tonderai Timbe, 40, from Chitungwiza, appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing charges of theft of trust property.

The complainant in the case is Nyaradzai Chipurero.

According to the State, in July, Timbe and Chipurero entered into a verbal agreement where Timbe sold his Mazda 3 to Chipurero. The car was paid for in instalments, leaving an outstanding balance of US$135.

In August, Timbe reportedly approached Chipurero at his workplace, where he runs a car hire business, and requested to hire the very car he had sold. Timbe used the car for several days, offering that the car hire charges would cover the remaining balance of US$135 from the sale agreement.

They agreed that upon full payment, they would formalize the sale by signing a sale agreement.

With only US$135 remaining, the two signed a car hire agreement stipulating that Timbe would return the vehicle within three days.

However, it is alleged that Timbe failed to return the car as agreed, providing a series of excuses instead. Eventually, Chipurero reported the matter to the Harare Central Police Station.

On September 30, Timbe was arrested and questioned by the police. The court was told that he could not account for the vehicle, which the State argues is evidence that he had converted it for personal use.

The stolen vehicle is valued at US$2,500.