14-Year-Old Jailed Three Years For Stealing Four Honda Fit Vehicles
A 14-year-old boy from Bulawayo who stole four Honda Fit vehicles, used them, and then abandoned them has been sentenced to three years at Whawha Prison near Gweru.
The juvenile, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, was convicted and sentenced by Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Patience Ururu.
Although the accused pleaded guilty to all four counts of motor vehicle theft, he was convicted on only three counts.
The court found that the prosecution failed to prove that one of the vehicles, which was later found abandoned, had been stolen by the accused.
“You are very young, but your actions defy your age. When you were released to your parents after you were initially arrested, you went on to steal again,” said the magistrate.
“I understand that you are from a broken family, but that does not justify your unbecoming behaviour. You will be sent to prison so that you can reform.”
Prosecutor Concilia Ncube told the court that on 26 April 2026, the accused stole a grey Honda Fit from a car park in Entumbane.
She said that three days later, he stole another Honda Fit from a car park in Nkulumane and used it to operate a pirate taxi overnight. He abandoned the vehicle once it ran out of fuel.
The court heard that the following day, the accused, who was deliberately targeting Honda Fit vehicles, stole a third Honda Fit from a car park in Emakhandeni.
On 12 May, he went to Entumbane Police Station and stole a Honda Fit belonging to a police officer. He used it to operate a pirate taxi in and around the city for a week before abandoning it.
Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad launched an investigation that led to the accused’s arrest.
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