How A Harare Man Used Fake IDs To Steal Cars From Rental Companies
A Harare man has been jailed for stealing multiple vehicles from car rental companies using fake IDs, driver’s licences and forged documents.
The 36-year-old fraudster, who used aliases including Christen Nketa, Last Mukomawasha, Eliot Mandere, and Prince Chari, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with 2 years suspended, leaving him to serve an effective 8 years behind bars.
The offences took place between October and November 2024, with the man targeting several car rental companies in Harare.
Operated Under Several Fake Names
According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on 1 August 2025:
“The offender presented fake identity particulars, counterfeit driver’s licences and forged proof of residence to rent out vehicles from unsuspecting car hire operators.”
In each instance, the man made initial rental payments to build trust, before disappearing with the vehicles, which he later sold to unsuspecting third parties.
One of the cases occurred on 22 October 2024, when the fraudster rented a grey Honda Fit. The car was later traced and recovered in Damafalls after the buyer alerted police. Officers from CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) recovered the vehicle.
Another case unfolded on 5 November 2024, when the suspect used forged documents to rent a Toyota Axio, which was then sold in Dema. Police managed to recover the car after tracing it to a buyer who had no knowledge of the fraud.
GPS Tracker Helped Crack The Case
On 13 November 2024, the man hired a silver Honda Fit and told the owner he was in Marondera. However, the owner grew suspicious and used a GPS tracker to locate the vehicle in Murisa Village, Seke, where it was recovered by police.
Acting on a tip-off, detectives arrested the man on 27 February 2025 at NSSA Building in Harare. According to the NPAZ:
“The accused attempted to escape upon noticing the detectives, but was apprehended with the assistance of alert members of the public.”
A search of his belongings led to the recovery of more forged documents, further linking him to the crimes.
Police Warn Of Increasing Fraud
Authorities are warning car rental agencies and private vehicle owners to be on high alert. The NPAZ said:
“This case highlights the growing sophistication of fraud in the car rental industry. We urge the public and businesses to carefully verify all documents presented, install real-time GPS trackers and report any suspicious activity.”
The stolen vehicles were recovered, and the buyers were found to be innocent third parties who had been duped by the offender.
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The post How A Harare Man Stole Multiple Vehicles From Car Rentals Using Fake IDs And Documents appeared first on iHarare News.
