Norton man in court for theft of property worth ov...

Norton man in court for theft of property worth over US$17 000

Zim Now Writer

A 47-year-old man from Norton, Lovemore Pedzi, appeared before the Norton Magistrates’ Court, facing three counts of theft of property.

It is alleged that on June 29, 2023, at K229 Katanga, the accused person, who is a car dealer, was approached by Chiratidzo Mupfurutsa, 36, who is the complainant in this matter, for a car deal.

He received US$1 900 as part payment for importing a car.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Pedzi received a further payment of US$1 400 sometime in August 2023.

He, however, failed to provide the complainant with the vehicle and was evasive, claiming that he was out of the country.

“Sometime in August, 2023, the accused person received US$8 500 from the second complainant as payment for an embroidery machine to be delivered in ten weeks.

However, he failed to deliver the product, prompting the complainant to report the matter to the police.

“On January 27, 2024, Pedzi received US$5 200 as payment for importation of a vehicle he advertised on WhatsApp. He sent a picture of a purchase invoice to the complainant purporting that it was from Be Forward as proof of payment for the vehicle.

“Three weeks later, the complainant requested for the importation documents but Pedzi was evasive,” the NPA said.

Efforts to get the papers was futile since the accused person claimed to be out of the country.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the accused person.

He was remanded in custody to May 2, 2024.