Machanic Manyeruke loses two vehicles worth US$16 ...

Machanic Manyeruke loses two vehicles worth US$16 500 to masquarads

Gilbert Munetsi

Legendary gospel musician Machanic Manyeruke, 82, recently lost two personal vehicles to a man who, in his criminal operation, reportedly masquerades as the son of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and his accomplice who is a serving member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The cars, valued at US$16 500 have since been recovered and the suspects – arrested in Harare and Marondera respectively - appeared at the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Courts Friday charged with fraud as defined in the Criminal Law and Codification Act Section 136 (1) (a) and (b) Chapter 9:23

Regional Chida, 37, and Ezra Manzvidza, 23, were remanded in custody to Monday for bail determination.

It is the state’s case that the granddad of the gospel genre, Manyeruke, in November 2022 approached Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa with intentions to host a retirement gala.

His plan was to use a grand platform to make an honourable exit from an industry that has won him many souls in a journey that spans five decades.

Minister Mutsvangwa advised him to note down what he expected from Government, and further referred him to the reception with the compiled list. Manyeruke indicated he needed a harrow, scotch cart, tractor, plough and a motor vehicle.

On another date, the first accused, Chida, met second accused, Manzvidza, and offered him a job. He demanded US$150 for the facilitation of a Central Intelligence Organisation identity card.

Three weeks later, Manyeruke received a call from a certain lady purporting to be Minister Mutsvangwa, who informed him that a house and tractor had been bought for him.

And on another date during the same period, Chida sent Manzvidza to Manyeruke’s house in Zengeza 5 to check if he needed any help from the Minister.

Manyeruke informed the second accused that his Nissan Patrol vehicle, Registration Number AAP 7035, needed repair. Manzvidza went back to Chida with feedback.

**The recovered vehicles parked as exhibits at St Mary's Police Station**

After three days Manzvidza went to the complainant’s house to tell him that the Minister wanted the vehicle serviced at CMED and Manyeruke complied by handing over the car, keys and registration book. The second accused drove the car and handed it to first accused who parked it in the Parliament premises.

At the end of February 2023, a third accused who is still at large called Manyeruke using mobile number 0773 554 307, claiming to be the Minister who needed a vehicle to transport US$97 000 from Marondera. Again, the complainant handed over a Honda CRV to the first accused.

When Manyeruke later made efforts to recover his vehicles, the phones of the accused were no longer reachable. When he called the Minister, she expressed ignorance over the matter.

As he was passing through Parliament one day, Manyeruke saw his Nissan Patrol parked in the premises and reported the matter to police leading to Chida’s arrest. Manzvidza was later arrested on May 17 in Marondera and both vehicles were recovered.