Car Seized as Evidence in Pensioner Fraud Case Disappears

A Nissan X-Trail that was being held as evidence by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in a pensioner fraud case has vanished in a brazen heist. 

Two suspects, Jossam Aarons and Privilege Matibu, are now facing charges of defeating the course of justice after they allegedly towed the vehicle away from a farm where it had been stored.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by ZACC in securing evidence during investigations. This case involves a wider fraud scheme where unsuspecting pensioners were duped out of their lump-sum payouts.

Trail of Fraud Leads to Seized Vehicle

In February 2024, ZACC investigated a series of fraud cases targeting pensioners. Their investigation led to the arrest of Tawanda Matau and Bernard Chizunza, who are currently in custody awaiting trial. However, two other accomplices, Luckmore Matuku and Precious Sunungurai Muzenda, remain at large.

Following a tip-off, ZACC officers tracked Matuku to Matepatepa, Bindura, on February 11th. They aimed to apprehend him and seize a Nissan X-Trail (registration number AFG 0708) believed to be used by the gang during the crimes. However, Matuku managed to evade capture, disappearing into the nearby forest.

The ZACC team located the car parked at Gilati Farm in Glendale. Due to the lack of spare keys, they opted to remove the wheels and the computer box from the vehicle. They also informed the farm residents about the seizure and booked the car as an exhibit. 

The car was registered under the name of Shorai Grace Chaora, who confirmed loaning the vehicle to Matuku.

Unexpected Turn of Events

On March 30th, a ZACC investigator received a call from Shadreck Hilimid, who reported that Aarons and Matibu had arrived at the farm with a tow truck and taken the Nissan X-Trail. 

ZACC officers responded swiftly and apprehended the duo.