Five men, including two South Africans arrested over theft of Land Cruiser

HARARE – Five men, including two South African nationals and three Zimbabwean citizens, appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of theft and smuggling of a stolen motor vehicle.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused, John Leseja Mkonto (37) of Johannesburg, South Africa, Sibusiso Mpofu (44) of Bulawayo, Nwabi Maqhawe (39) of Bulawayo, Raymond Tshabalala (29) of Johannesburg, South Africa, and Pholani Nhliziyo (38) of Bulawayo, allegedly stole a white Toyota Land Cruiser in Pretoria, South Africa on August 28, 2024.

In an attempt to conceal the vehicle’s true identity, the accused allegedly manufactured fake documents, including a South African Registration book and a Temporary Import Permit, in Mkonto’s name. They then smuggled the vehicle into Zimbabwe, intending to transport it to Harare.

They were, however, intercepted by police officers at a roadblock in Featherstone on September 2, 2024.

Upon request, Mkonto produced the fake documents, which did not match the vehicle’s particulars. The police discovered a fake registration number affixed to the vehicle, and the registration book belonged to a Toyota Hilux.

The NPA stated that investigations revealed the vehicle was reported stolen in South Africa on August 28, 2024. The accused were arrested, and the vehicle was seized. They were remanded in custody until September 16, 2024.