A Bulawayo court acquitted Nontokozo Moyo of vehicle theft charges on Friday after finding inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony, Sifiso Mpofu. The 25-year-old widow of former Insiza North legislator Farai Taruvinga faced allegations that she took a BMW X5 that Mpofu claimed belonged to him. Regional Magistrate Archie Wochiwunga noted Mpofu gave conflicting statements about whether he knew Moyo and criticized investigators for failing to establish proper ownership of the automobile.
Mpofu parked the silver BMW at his Hillside residence on March 31 before traveling to Filabusi for mining work. He reported the vehicle missing after returning sometime between that date and May 25. Police arrested Moyo and recovered the automobile following his complaint.
The prosecution requested that the car go to the person listed in the registration documents. Defense attorney Kwanele Nxumalo objected and received permission to file a response on Monday, Oct. 27. The magistrate will schedule a hearing after reviewing both applications.
Mpofu parked the silver BMW at his Hillside residence on March 31 before traveling to Filabusi for mining work. He reported the vehicle missing after returning sometime between that date and May 25. Police arrested Moyo and recovered the automobile following his complaint.
The prosecution requested that the car go to the person listed in the registration documents. Defense attorney Kwanele Nxumalo objected and received permission to file a response on Monday, Oct. 27. The magistrate will schedule a hearing after reviewing both applications.
