The accused include John Leseja Mkonto (37) and Raymond Tshabalala (29), both from Johannesburg, South Africa, along with Sibusiso Mpofu (44) from Nkulumane, Bulawayo, Nwabi Maqhawe (39) from Nketa 7, Bulawayo, and Pholani Nhliziyo (38) from Ndiweni Village, Bulawayo.
The group faces allegations of stealing a white Toyota Land Cruiser in Pretoria, South Africa, on August 28, 2024. To cover their tracks, they allegedly produced fraudulent documentation, including a fake South African registration book and a temporary import permit under Mkonto’s name.
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On September 2, 2024, the stolen vehicle was smuggled into Zimbabwe, en route to Harare.
Their plan was foiled when they were stopped at a roadblock in Featherstone by vigilant police officers.
Upon inspection, the documents provided by Mkonto were found to be counterfeit, and discrepancies were identified between the registration details and the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that the registration number affixed to the Land Cruiser belonged to a Toyota Hilux.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in South Africa just days earlier.
The suspects were promptly arrested, and the vehicle was impounded. They have been remanded in custody, and the case has been set for further proceedings on September 16, 2024.
