-St. James Zongoro student buys car with stolen money
Martin Muleya
MUTASA-A St. James Zongoro High School in Mutasa student yesterday appeared before provincial magistrate Poterai Gwezhira charged with stealing $3 202 which he used to buy a Toyota Lexus.
Martin Chitembwe (19) who is out on bail, will be back in the dock on 23rd April 2026 for trial.
It was the State’s case led by Joice Tinarwo that on 22nd February 2026 and at St. James Zongoro high school, Chitembwe went to deputy headmaster Marian Masango’s office.
“The accused person went to Deputy Head Marian Masango and lied that he was sent by Reverend Bezel Matikiti to collect keys of his office. Masango gave him the keys and he proceeded to the administration block and unlocked the door gaining entry in the process,” prosecuted Tinarwo.
It is alleged Chitembwe unlocked the clerk’s office using the duplicate keys and stole US$3 202 which was in the drawer and went away. The matter came to light when police received a tip off that Chitembwe had bought a black Toyota Lexus registration number ACN 0112 and arrested him.
After some interrogations by the police, he admitted to stealing the money from the clerk’s office and subsequently buying the motor vehicle. Total value stolen is US$3 202-00 and US$2 400-00 was recovered.
