Car Thief Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

By Staff Reporter

Hlangabeza Mabhula, alias Benjamin Kutira, also known as Joseph Moyo, a 46-year-old resident of Maribha Village, Chief Mataruse, Mberengwa, was recently sentenced to four years in prison by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court on charges of theft and possession of articles for criminal use.

The court heard that on November 5, 2024, at around 7:30 PM, the complainant parked his Toyota Funcargo near his bedroom window. He took all necessary precautions to secure the vehicle by closing all windows, locking the doors, and taking the car keys with him before retiring to bed.

However, unbeknownst to him, at approximately 3:00 AM on November 6, 2024, Mabhula, disguised in a balaclava and gloves, approached the complainant’s residence. He skillfully forced open the locked doors of the Toyota Funcargo and, defying conventional methods, managed to start the vehicle without the keys, causing damage to the ignition system in the process.

The engine noise startled the complainant, who, upon peering through his window, witnessed Mabhula reversing the car. Acting swiftly, the complainant rushed outside and threw a stone behind the rear wheel, successfully halting the vehicle.

Mabhula then exited the vehicle, brandishing a kitchen knife, and charged towards the complainant. The complainant, fearing for his safety, managed to evade the attack and flee the scene.

With the assistance of members of the public, the complainant apprehended Mabhula near Mandava Cemetery. Upon searching the accused person, the police discovered a balaclava, a kitchen knife, a table knife, a makeshift screwdriver, and an okapi knife.

For the theft of the Toyota Funcargo, Mabhula was sentenced to six years imprisonment, with two years of the sentence suspended, resulting in an effective four-year prison term. Additionally, he was fined USD 200 or sentenced to two months imprisonment for possession of articles for criminal use (balaclava, gloves, knives) and possession of an okapi knife. The items used in the commission of the crime were forfeited to the state and will be destroyed.

This case serves as a strong deterrent to potential offenders and highlights the importance of community vigilance in combating crime.