Car dealer loses car to bogus buyer in Harare

A Harare car dealer was robbed at gun point by a man who posed as a potential buyer who lured him for a sale.

The suspect Patel Matombe was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa charged with robbery of a motor vehicle. The court heard that in November last year, the complainant Byron Simba posted an advert on his Facebook account selling a Lifan motor cycle.

On August 13 this year, Matombe responded to the advert and he contacted Simba on his phone advising him that he was interested in purchasing the motor cycle.

They agreed to meet at DDF in Southlea Park on the same day and they met at around 2pm.

Matombe allegedly approached Simba who was driving a black Jeep Cherooke motor vehicle with registration numbers unknown.

He requested for a test drive, he was satisfied and got interested in the motor cycle.

Matombe advised Simba to help him load the motor cycle in his car and proceeded to St Mary’s area to his alleged girlfriend so that they can draft an agreement of sale and make the payment.

Upon reaching the said girlfriend’s place of residence Matombe pretended to go to his place leavingSimba seated in the motor vehicle. After a while Matombe returned and pointed Simba with an unidentified firearm ordering him leave.

Simba complied and Matombe drove away his motor vehicle with the motor cycle loaded inside.

Matombe sold the motor vehicle to Patrick Whiskey. On August 28, the unregistered blue Lifan motor cycle chassis number LF3PCB215A005134 and engine number 139FMB5121209 was recovered at Plot 7 Rapid Farm Marondera after detectives received a tip off.

The firearm used was not recovered.