Mberengwa Man Sentenced to Four Years for Car Thef...

Mberengwa Man Sentenced to Four Years for Car Theft and Possession of Criminal Articles

Zim Now Writer

A 46-year-old man, Hlangabeza Mabhula, also known as Benjamin Kutira or Joseph Moyo, has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison for car theft and possession of criminal tools in Zvishavane.

Mabhula, a resident of Maribha Village, Chief Mataruse, Mberengwa, was convicted after appearing before the Zvishavane Magistrates Court on charges of theft and possession of items intended for criminal use.

The court heard that on the night of November 5, 2024, the complainant parked his Toyota Funcargo near his bedroom window, ensuring it was securely locked with the keys by his bedside.

Around 3 a.m. on November 6, Mabhula, wearing a balaclava and gloves, broke into the vehicle and started it without the keys, damaging the ignition system in the process.

Awakened by the sound of the engine, the complainant spotted Mabhula reversing the vehicle and rushed outside. He managed to halt the theft by throwing a stone at the car’s rear wheel. Cornered, Mabhula exited the vehicle armed with a kitchen knife and charged at the complainant.

However, the complainant managed to escape and, with the help of local residents, apprehended Mabhula near Mandava Cemetery.

Upon arrest, police discovered Mabhula was in possession of several items, including a balaclava, gloves, a makeshift screwdriver, a table knife, a kitchen knife, and an okapi knife.

The court handed down six years imprisonment, with two years suspended and a fine of US$200 or two months imprisonment.

Mabhula will serve a total of four years in prison. All items used in the crime were confiscated and will be destroyed by the state.

The National Prosecuting Authority emphasized its commitment to combating crime and corruption, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.