Duo in court for string of car thefts

TWO suspected armed robbers who are accused of orchestrating a string of vehicle thefts in Harare, appeared in court yesterday.

John Nhira (39) and Innocent Chigwaze (27) appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje charged with one count of robbery and four counts of theft of motor vehicles.

They were advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The duo will return to court on February 13 for routine remand.

Prosecuting, Mr Anesu Chirenje alleged that on December 2 last year, the two hired the complainant’s motor vehicle, a blue Toyota IST, from Zindoga Shopping Centre, in Waterfalls, Harare to Epworth.

Complainant then drove towards Epworth using Masotsha Ndlovu Way and along the way, Chigwaze, who was occupying the rear passenger seat behind the driver, suddenly grabbed the complainant by the neck and informed him that they were robbers.

He then threatened to kill him if he resisted any of their orders.

The complainant complied and stopped the motor vehicle.

Nhira, who was on the front passenger seat, got out of the vehicle and dragged the complainant out of the car.

They then dumped the driver along Masotsha Ndlovu Way and drove off the complainant’s car at a high speed, leaving him stranded at the scene.

The court heard that on December 27, the stolen vehicle was recovered without its engine and gearbox at accused persons’ last place of residence in Darwendale, Zvimba, Chinhoyi District by detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad Harare, but the suspects could not be located.

On another count, the State alleged that on December 13 last year during the night, Nhira and Chigwaze, who were accompanied by their accomplice only known as Magwejani who remains at large, approached Mr Tawanda

Pamire who had parked his vehicle, a silver Honda Fit at Number 24 Makiyoni Street, Mbare, Harare. They stole the vehicle using duplicate keys and drove away unnoticed.

The complainant discovered the offence on the following day and made a report at ZRP Stodart.

Then on December 27, the stolen motor vehicle was recovered intact at the suspects’ residence in Darwendale by police. However, the suspects were not there. On the third count, the State alleges that on January 2 this year, and during the night, Nhira and Chigwaze who were accompanied by their accomplices only known as Magwejani and Chancellor Tande who are still at large, approached the complainant Mr Albert Marozva’s motor vehicle at Open Space car park in Warren Park, Harare.

They used duplicate keys to open the doors and drove away unnoticed.

Mr Marozva discovered the offence and made a report at ZRP Warren Park.

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