A Harare man has appeared in court facing allegations that he fraudulently hired two vehicles under the pretext of using them for ruling Zanu PF party business, before failing to pay rental fees amounting to thousands of US dollars.
Martin Mutize, 26, of Budiriro, is accused of misrepresenting his intentions to a car rental service provider, leading to a financial prejudice of US$5,600. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says Mutize invoked the name of Zanu PF to convince the vehicle owner that the cars were urgently needed to transport party delegates — a claim prosecutors allege was false.
According to the State, the incident took place in July 2025. Court papers indicate that Mutize approached the complainant, identified as Sanangurai Kundidzora, with a request to hire two vehicles: a white Toyota Hilux and a grey Audi. He allegedly negotiated and agreed to pay US$150 per day for the Hilux and US$50 per day for the Audi, with the total rental period set at 28 days.
Prosecutors allege that Mutize assured Kundidzora the vehicles were required for official Zanu PF assignments, specifically for transporting party delegates during scheduled engagements. This purportedly helped him secure the deal without the usual upfront payment that car hire companies often demand for private hires.
However, the State says that investigations later revealed the vehicles were never used by Zanu PF officials and were instead driven by Mutize for his personal purposes throughout the rental period.
When the agreed 28 days lapsed, Kundidzora allegedly discovered the deception after inquiring about payment. By then, prosecutors say, Mutize had kept the cars for nearly a month without honouring the financial agreement, resulting in a total bill of US$5,600 that remains unpaid.
Harare Man in Court Over Alleged Fraudulent Car Hire Using Zanu PF Name
“The accused misrepresented facts to the complainant so that he would use the vehicles himself,” prosecutors told the court. “He prejudiced the complainant of income through false pretences.”
The matter came before Harare provincial magistrate Apolonia Marutya this week. Mutize appeared in the dock wearing a casual shirt and dark trousers, listening quietly as the charges were read out. He was not asked to plead.
The State opposed bail, arguing that given the seriousness of the offence and the amount involved, there is a risk the accused could abscond. Prosecutors also contended that Mutize might interfere with witnesses if released before trial.Magistrate Marutya remanded him in custody pending a bail determination, which is expected in the coming days.
The case has sparked public interest due to the alleged misuse of the Zanu PF name in a private transaction. Legal experts note that while political parties are often invoked for genuine logistical needs — especially during campaign periods or official events — such associations can be exploited for personal gain. This incident, if proven, highlights the potential for abuse in situations where individuals present themselves as acting on behalf of high-profile organisations.
Car hire companies in Zimbabwe have long complained of challenges in recovering payments from clients who either disappear after taking vehicles or present false credentials. Some rental agencies have tightened their verification processes, demanding proof of employment, references, and in some cases, police clearance before releasing vehicles. However, individuals claiming to represent political or government entities sometimes bypass these measures due to the perception of credibility such affiliations carry.
In this case, prosecutors say Mutize’s alleged deception was straightforward but effective — appealing to the complainant’s willingness to support what was presented as a legitimate party function. The fact that no upfront payment was made reportedly played a central role in enabling the alleged fraud.
If convicted of fraud, Mutize could face a substantial prison sentence under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Fraud involving significant sums and aggravating circumstances, such as abuse of trust or misrepresentation involving official entities, is treated as a serious criminal offence.
The NPA has indicated that its case will rely on documentary evidence of the rental agreement, testimony from the complainant, and records showing the vehicles’ movements during the rental period.
For now, Mutize remains in remand prison awaiting the magistrate’s decision on whether he will be granted bail. The case is expected to return to court next week for further proceedings.
Source- Bulawayo24
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