Madzibaba accused of stealing Chivhayo gift vehicl...

Madzibaba accused of stealing Chivhayo gift vehicle

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Collet Tavengwa, a madzibaba from Marondera, has been brought before the Harare Magistrates' Court on charges of stealing a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle, which he claims was given to him by businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.

Tavengwa, aged 40 and known as Madzibaba Lastrodge appeared before magistrate Donald Ndirowei and was granted US$500 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 11 for routine remand proceedings.

The State, represented by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, alleges that on October 5, Tavengwa, fully aware that he was not among the intended recipients of two Toyota Hilux GD6 Single cab vehicles donated by Chivhayo to selected members of the Apostolic Church, went to White Stallion Autogroup, a car dealership located in Borrowdale.

Tavengwa reportedly convinced the company’s director, Joel Kudakwashe Chikosi, that he was a beneficiary of the donation, despite Chivhayo not specifying the beneficiaries' names. As a result, Tavengwa was provided with a Toyota Hilux GD6, chassis number MRODA8CB105877594 and engine number 1GD1151818, and an agreement of sale was drawn up. Tavengwa allegedly took the vehicle and drove off.

The matter came to light when Chivhayo inquired about the whereabouts of the vehicle, prompting him to report the incident to the police. Tavengwa was later arrested in Marondera. The vehicle in question is valued at US$10,000.

In his defense, Tavengwa’s lawyer, Tafadzwa Muvhami, submitted a video as evidence, showing his client receiving the car from Chivhayo, suggesting that the car was a gift rather than stolen. The case remains ongoing, with Tavengwa set to appear in court again next month.