Vehicle reg book trick con artists arrested

Michael Mashiri

A pair of scammers who sold a vehicle then stole it after receiving payment have been arrested. Two others from the same gang are still at large.

Kelvin Kandemwa, 34, of Kuwadzana Extension appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court accused of fraud contravening Section 136 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23.

The court heard that in November 2022 Kandemwa tried to sell a car to the complainant but there was no deal as the as the condition of the car proved unsatisfactory to the potential buyer.

On December 8, 2022, Kandemwa's accomplice -who is on remand over related charges- approached the complainant and offered to sell him a Honda Fit for US$3 200.

Once the complainant inspected the vehicle and agreed to buy it, the accomplice told the complainant that the registration book would only be released by the previous owner after payment of an outstanding amount.

The complainant and Kandemwa's accomplice drove the car to Parirenyatwa Hospital where the alleged owner was.

Upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Hospital, Kandemwa's accomplice took the cash US$3 200 from the complainant and said he was going upstairs to meet the owner. The complainant remained in the car.

The Kandemwa's associate returned to the car and requested the complainant to go upstairs to sign the agreement of sale. The complainant complied.

When the complainant came back he saw the car being driven away. He tried shouting for help to no avail.

It is the state’s allegation that the complainant was lured inside while two other accomplices used a spare key to steal the vehicle.

Kandemwa’s accomplice was later arrested when he tried to play the same con on another person, and he implicated Kandemwa and the other two still at large, only identified as Jack and Barnabas.

Kandemwa confessed to being part of the con and said that his share was US$800 and the rest of the money was shared among his accomplices.

Magistrate Dennis Mangosi remanded Kandemwa in custody pending his bail application.