Man in Court Over Theft of US$38k Using Duplicate ...

Man in Court Over Theft of US$38k Using Duplicate Car Keys

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 34-year-old man appeared in court on fraud charges after allegedly using duplicate keys to gain access to a parked car and steal US$38,460.

Charles Gauti was remanded in custody by Harare Magistrate Isheunesu Matova following his initial court appearance.

The complainant, Martin Tsonziwa ,37, is the director of Agri Venture Pvt Ltd, a company involved in the milling and distribution of maize-meal.

According to court proceedings, on March 23, Tsonziwa left work with a bag containing US$38 460, which he placed under the driver’s seat of his Nissan Advan. Later that evening, around 11 PM, he parked his vehicle at the Machipisa bus terminus and proceeded to Afro Zone nightclub, leaving the bag inside the locked car.

Upon returning, he discovered the bag — along with the money — was missing. A police report was filed at ZRP Machipisa.

On April 1, detectives from CID TFC Harare were tipped off that Gauti’s accomplice was in possession of the stolen funds. Subsequent investigations led to the accomplice’s arrest, who implicated Gauti as the custodian of the duplicate keys used in the theft.

A search at Gauti’s residence yielded the duplicate keys and speakers reportedly purchased with proceeds from the stolen money.

Gauti is facing charges in connection with the theft of the full US$38 460.