A 30-year-old man, Matthew Makaza, has been sentenced to an effective 18 months in prison by the Harare Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of stealing a motor vehicle.
The court heard that on September 26, 2025, at around 9:30pm, the complainant parked his silver Nissan March at a residence in Zimre Park, Ruwa, leaving the passenger door unlocked.
Makaza took advantage of the unlocked vehicle and drove it away without the owner’s consent. The theft was discovered approximately 30 minutes later, and the matter was reported to the police.
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At around 2:00am the following morning, the complainant located the vehicle parked along Rukweza Road in Zimre Park. Makaza was found asleep in the back seat, and the car radio had been disconnected.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a wallet containing US$25 and bank cards belonging to a relative of the complainant.
The stolen vehicle, valued at US$4,000, was fully recovered.
Makaza was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with 12 months suspended on condition of good behaviour and a further six months suspended on condition that he pays US$250 in restitution.
This leaves an effective custodial sentence of 18 months.
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