A confessing pastor on Friday appeared before Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutia facing three counts of theft of trust property worth US$9,300.
Albert Murimu (50) denied the allegations and was remanded in custody until today for his bail hearing.
According to court papers, it is alleged that on January 12, at the Amo-tech car sales shop located at the corner of Kaguvi Street and Robert Mugabe Way, the complainant Clifford Rundare wanted to buy a car so he approached Muremo.
It is reported that they agreed to sell the Toyota Voxy for $1,250.
Rundare allegedly paid the accused person a deposit of $700, with the balance due to be paid within two weeks.
The complainant allegedly visited Murimu with a view to paying off the balance before the expiration of two weeks and discovered that the car was no longer on display.
Murimu became evasive and attempts to contact him failed after he blocked the complainant on all forms of communication networks until he was caught and arrested.
On the other hand, on June 9 last year, at Amo-tech Car Sales, one of the complainants contacted Murimo and wanted to sell her Isuzu KB 250 Double Cab.
They agreed on a price of $5,500 for the car.
The court heard that Murimo had breached the agreement concluded with the complainant. He sold the truck as agreed but diverted the money to personal use.
Efforts to locate Murimu were unsuccessful as he blocked the complainant on all communications platforms.
In the third count, on September 3 last year, Murimu sold the complainant Tracy Chitsongo a Honda Fit for US$3,100, knowing that the documents for the car were forged.
In October of the same year, ZRP Beatrice impounded the vehicle after it was reported as stolen property.
After investigations, it was found that he had given the complainant a forged registration book.
Because of this misrepresentation, Chitsongo suffered a prejudice of US$3,100 and nothing was recovered.
Rufaro Chunzi represents the state. Newsday
