Vongai Masuka

A 22-year-old domestic worker’s decision to take his employer’s luxury Mercedes-Benz for an unauthorized joyride has ended in a criminal conviction and a sentence of 280 hours of community service.

Emmanuel Hadebe, a gardener residing in the affluent Hillside suburb, appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate this week charged with using a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
The court heard that on January 14, at approximately 9:55 AM, Hadebe took advantage of his position at the home of Mr. Vimbai Chivandire, the Managing Director of Khanondo Safaris and Tours.

Without authorization, Hadebe drove a Mercedes-Benz S350 out of the family garage and headed toward the city centre.

His journey was cut short when his erratic driving caught the attention of alert police officers on patrol.Prosecutor Methuli Ncube told the court that Hadebe was intercepted before reaching the central business district.

“The accused was arrested after police officers noticed his reckless driving,” Mr. Ncube stated.

During the proceedings, Hadebe pleaded guilty to the charges, which fall under Section 57 (1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act.

In his mitigation, he claimed he had no intent to steal the vehicle, telling the magistrate he only took the luxury sedan because he intended to refuel it.

Hadebe was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. Four months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior.

The remaining eight months were suspended on the condition that Hadebe completes 280 hours of unpaid community service at Ekusileni Primary School.