Kuwadzana Man Sent To Prison For Stealing From Accident Site

A Kuwadzana man was jailed for stealing from an accident scene after posing as one of the rescuers.

Bright Makuvatsine, a resident of Kuwadzana Extension, appeared in front of the Harare Magistrate’s Court facing two serious charges—one of theft and the other of unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an incident on the evening of 28th June 2024.At approximately 9:00 PM, a traffic accident occurred along Bulawayo Road near Sogo Service Station in Whitehouse, Harare. Makuvatsine was part of a group of bystanders who had gathered to assist the victims—a couple involved in the accident.

Theft from Accident Scene

While seemingly helping the couple, Makuvatsine took advantage of the chaotic situation to steal a satchel belonging to them. The stolen bag contained personal items, including a 9mm Sarsilmaz pistol.

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Man arrested for stealing from accident scene (Image: The Herald)

Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Items

Makuvatsine’s actions eventually caught up with him on August 23, 2024. He was apprehended at the Kuwadzana 6 shopping centre when he was spotted in possession of a stolen firearm. Upon his arrest, Makuvatsine led authorities to the recovery of some of the stolen property, further cementing the evidence against him.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

In court, Makuvatsine was convicted on both counts. For the theft charge, he received a 12-month prison sentence, with four months suspended on the condition of good behaviour. In relation to the unlawful possession of the firearm, the court imposed a fine of US$300. Failure to pay this fine would result in an additional four months of imprisonment.

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This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of exploiting vulnerable situations and the legal ramifications of possessing a firearm without proper authorization.