Crimes and Courts
HARARE – A Budiriro man has been remanded in custody after allegedly defrauding a car rental company of US$5,600 by falsely claiming to represent the ruling Zanu PF party.
Martin Mutize (26) appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Apolonia Marutya on fraud charges. Prosecutors allege that in July 2025, Mutize approached Sanangurai Kundidzora, requesting a white Toyota Hilux and grey Audi for 28 days. He reportedly promised payment of US$150/day for the Hilux and US$50/day for the Audi, asserting the vehicles were needed to transport Zanu PF delegates.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigations later revealed Mutize used the vehicles for personal purposes. When the rental period ended, Kundidzora discovered no Zanu PF officials had used the cars as claimed.
“The accused deliberately misrepresented facts to secure the vehicles for his own use,” prosecutors stated in court.
“He failed to settle the US$5,600 debt despite retaining both vehicles for nearly a month.”
Magistrate Marutya remanded Mutize in custody pending a bail ruling. The case highlights ongoing concerns about individuals exploiting political affiliations for fraudulent activities.
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