Man in court for stealing from stranded man

Michael Mashiri

A Harare man, who pretended to offer help to a motorist who had run out fuel and later stole from him, has been taken to court.

Munyaradzi Chatongodza, 26, of Kuwadzana 4, appeared before magistrate Apolonia Marutya at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing theft allegations.

He will appear in court on January 22, for bail application.

The complainant in this matter is Kudakwashe Madzima, 39.

The State, through prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, alleges that December 3, 2023, at around 0030 hours Madzima’s friend, Nyasha Nkomo was driving Madzima’s Toyota Hillux from Pabloz Night Club along Borrowdale Road since Madzima was drunk.

When they approached intersection of Borrowdale Road and Churchill Avenue, the car ran out of fuel.

It is alleged that Chatongodza and the other accused person, who is still at large, offered to help the two and they pushed the car to the roadside.

Chatongodza and the other accused person, identified as Kelvin Gomwe, had a black Toyota Sienta taxi.

It is alleged that Chatongodza accompanied Nkomo to Borrowdale Village to look for help while Gomwe, who is still at large, remained at the car with Madzima.

When Chatongodza arrived at Pabloz Night Club, he drove back to Madzima’s car and allegedly stole a Samsung A03, small Itel phone and hp probook laptop and drove off.

Madzima later filed a report at ZRP Avondale, leading to the arrest Chatongodza.

As a result, property worth US$1 000 was stolen and nothing was recovered.