Woman arrested in Harare while allegedly selling hired Honda Freed using fake identity documents
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 39-year-old Sonia Kamambo, who was allegedly caught attempting to sell a Honda Freed motor vehicle she had hired just a day earlier using a fraudulent national identity card.
According to the police, Kamambo was arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Vehicle Theft Squad in Harare on November 5, near the National Railways of Zimbabwe premises along Kenneth Kaunda Avenue.
The arrest followed allegations that Kamambo had hired the Honda Freed on November 4 using a fake national identity card bearing the name Faith Ndlovu.
Police said the suspect had paid US$400 to hire the vehicle for four days, but instead of using it for the agreed rental period, she allegedly attempted to dispose of it through an illegal sale.
Detectives intercepted Kamambo while she was allegedly attempting to sell the vehicle.
The operation resulted in the recovery of the Honda Freed and several suspected forged documents, including a vehicle registration book, national identity card and driver’s licence.
Police investigations have also identified a second suspect, Innocent Chikaikai, popularly known as “Sento”, who is accused of manufacturing fraudulent vehicle documents intended to facilitate the sale.
Chikaikai remains at large, with police continuing investigations into his alleged involvement.
The case raises concerns about the use of forged identity documents and vehicle registration papers in suspected motor vehicle theft schemes, particularly where criminals allegedly exploit legitimate car-hire arrangements to obtain vehicles before attempting to sell them.
The recovery of the Honda Freed means the vehicle was intercepted before the alleged fraudulent sale could be completed.
Police have not disclosed whether any prospective buyer had already been identified or whether additional suspects are being investigated.
Kamambo remains a suspect, and the allegations against her and Chikaikai have not been determined by a court. *_-ZimEye_*
