Two Arrested for Theft of Government Vehicle

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Two men accused of stealing a government vehicle that had broken down were arraigned before the Harare Magistrates' Courts on charges of motor vehicle theft.

Peace Tsara ,26, and Norman Muyambiri ,23, are alleged to have stolen a Mazda B2200 SDX that had been parked at Cecil House Parking Bay along Jason Moyo Street, Harare, since 2022.

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that on August 19, 2024, at around 8 PM, the two hired a wrecker and took the vehicle, which had been securely locked. The theft was discovered the following morning when the complainant returned to work, prompting a police report.

Detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad in Harare apprehended the suspects on January 12, 2025. The accused reportedly led police to a residence in New Tafara, Mabvuku, where the stolen vehicle was found at the home of Keith Tafadzwa Chabuda.

The car was allegedly being prepared for repainting to disguise its identity. The stolen vehicle, valued at US$3,000, was recovered before the alterations could be completed.

The two accused will return to court on January 31, 2025, as the case continues.