Harare Businessman Convicted for Sale of Seized Vehicle

A Harare businessman broke court rules when he sold a car he was only supposed to keep temporarily. Shingai Levison Muringi faced charges after he disposed of his Toyota Hilux despite clear orders not to sell it. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki found him guilty of contempt of court during a full trial. Patrick Mutenha brought the complaint against Muringi. The court had allowed Muringi to use the vehicle but required him to keep it available at all times.

Police had seized the white Toyota Hilux double cab last August when they arrested Muringi for fraud and money laundering. The vehicle became evidence in his criminal case. Muringi asked the court to release his car from police custody. A Provincial Magistrate agreed to let him have the car back but with strict conditions attached. The order said he must produce the vehicle whenever the state requested it and could not sell or dispose of it.

Muringi ignored the court order and sold the Toyota to Mutenha for fifty thousand dollars just two days later. He never told the buyer about the legal restrictions on the vehicle. Later Muringi tried to take the car back from Mutenha and falsely reported it stolen. Police arrested Mutenha during their investigation. Officers discovered the true legal status of the vehicle and impounded it again as evidence.