New arrest in flashy car theft case

Peter Matika, [email protected]

ANOTHER suspect has reportedly been arrested in connection with the theft of a South African registered Toyota Fortuner vehicle in Bulawayo involving prominent car dealer-cum socialite, Brighton Chipunza, who is allegedly at the centre of the offence.

While police have declined to divulge official information on the latest development saying it would jeopardise investigations, close sources said the latest suspect was nabbed yesterday afternoon and is already assisting with investigations.

“He is the one who stole the car with Chipunza and is a vital component of the investigations,” said the police source.

Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, could neither confirm nor deny the development.

Last week Chipunza was denied bail after a Bulawayo magistrate found clear and convincing evidence that he is potentially a flight risk and that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure that he will not interfere with witnesses.

Chipunza was arrested for allegedly stealing the luxury vehicle from a car wash in the city centre almost a fortnight ago.

The decision was delivered by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Benhilda Chiundura.

Chipunza, known in local circles by his street name “Dash,” appeared stunned and froze in the dock as the verdict was announced.

He is now set to appear on routine remand on December 11.

Before the ruling, Chipunza made an allegation of assault, claiming that he had been slapped three times by a prison guard, identified only as Gore while being held in the magistrate’s court holding cells. Chipunza said the assault resulted in hearing difficulties in his right ear and a “severe” headache, though the claim was not substantiated during the hearing.

The incident has drawn significant public attention, with speculation that Chipunza may be involved in a broader network of car theft activities. It has been reported that additional charges related to car theft are imminent.

According to the prosecution, led by Mr Dominic Moyo, the investigation into the vehicle’s theft began when Ms Ncube reported the case to authorities. 

Using GPS tracking technology provided by a vehicle tracking company, Ms Ncube was able to locate the stolen vehicle. This led law enforcement officers to Harare, where they apprehended a suspected accomplice, Julius Chitunhu, who has since been remanded out of custody on ZWG10 000 bail.

Further investigation revealed a series of WhatsApp messages between Chipunza and a suspected buyer, along with communications involving Chitunhu, suggesting a potential car theft syndicate. The electronic records have placed Chipunza at the heart of the alleged criminal activity.

The incident occurred on November 18 when Ms Ncube entrusted her employee, Jonathan Ngando Thuli, with her Toyota Fortuner to be cleaned at the Tunnel Car Wash. 

After cleaning the vehicle, Panashe Dube, an employee at the car wash, parked it outside under a tree shed, locking it and taking the keys with him. 

However, when Ms Ncube arrived later in the day to collect her vehicle, it was missing. She was informed by the staff that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting her to report the crime to the police.

As investigations continue, the case has raised questions about the extent of car theft syndicates in the region and the involvement of individuals like Chipunza in organised criminal activities. 

Authorities have vowed to pursue all leads in bringing those responsible for the theft and any related criminal activities to justice.