A 22-year-old man appeared before a Bulawayo regional magistrate charged with theft, halting court proceedings when he cried and admitted stealing cars for a picnic with a “string” of girlfriends.
Denzel Gingikwa, a crying adult man, pushed the judge to order an hour-long break to give him time to compose himself.
The car thief from the suburb of Nkita appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mkandla, where he faced four counts of car theft.
Gingikwa cried like a banshee, confessed his guilt and asked for forgiveness.
He admitted to stealing cars in an attempt to impress his girlfriends and make it easier to go out with them.
With tears flowing like a river down his cheeks, Gingikwa claimed that his only purpose in stealing cars was for fun and he never intended to permanently deprive owners of their cars.
During questioning, Jingikwa’s sobs prompted the court to adjourn the hearing for about an hour.
The sweet-talking car thief who convinced several women to ride in stolen cars to have fun with him is gone.
A frightened shell of a man who could not control himself stood, trembling with terror, in the dock.
Despite his offer, the court convicted him of all four counts of theft, and sentenced him to four years in prison for each.
However, the judge suspended each sentence for a year, resulting in an effective 12-year prison sentence.
In sentencing, the judge acknowledged Gingekwa’s status as a first-time offender, who cooperated by pleading guilty and saving the court’s time.
However, the judge stressed the seriousness of the crime, highlighting that Gingikwa used sophisticated methods to steal vehicles.
The judge said carjacking was a serious crime, so Gingikwa should be jailed so he can reform and send a strong message to like-minded people.
The court heard that on January 18 this year, Simafi Magosvongwe (54), a pastor at Amazing Grace in Faith Pentecostal Church, left the church and drove into the city in her Honda Fit.
Parking the Honda Fit near the Mutize Flea Market, Magosvongwe locked the doors and proceeded to shop inside the market.
Using an unknown object, Jinjikwa opened it and stole it. Magosvongwe reported the theft to the police.
Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) investigators launched a thorough and thorough investigation which led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle near Mpilo Central Hospital.
The court heard that on February 1, Maxwell Pvaci, 60, parked his Honda Fit near his workplace in the city and locked the doors before heading to his office.
Gingikwa approached Pfaci’s car and used an unknown object to open the doors.
Use sophisticated techniques to start the engine and drive away. He reported the theft to the police inspectors.
Investigators recovered the abandoned car near a car park in the New Lobengula suburb.
On February 2, Jingekwa noticed Gladys Dhliwayo, 60, parking her Honda Fit at the corner of 6th Avenue and George Silundika Street.
After Dliwayo left, Jinjikwa used the same modus operandi to steal the car.
VTS investigators conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of Gingikwa and the recovery of the vehicle.
The court also heard that on February 6, Minenhle Sziba, 44, parked her Honda Fit near a health facility on Josiah Tongogara Street, between Eighth and Ninth Streets. Sisiba left her daughter in the car.
Jingikwa, who was out of custody, approached the car and tricked the girl, claiming that her mother had sent him to take her and some items to the city using the car.
Believing him, the little girl got out of the car and Gingikwa drove off. B metro
