Fraudster Used Multiple Aliases and Forged Documents to Steal Vehicles Before Selling to Unsuspecting Buyers

Harare, Zimbabwe – A 36-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to an effective eight years in prison for orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that saw him steal multiple vehicles from car rental companies using a web of fake IDs, counterfeit driver’s licences, and forged documents.

The man, who operated under various aliases including Christen Nketa, Last Mukomawasha, Eliot Mandere, and Prince Chari, was handed a 10-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, for his crimes.

A Sophisticated Modus Operandi

The string of offenses took place between October and November 2024, with the man methodically targeting several car rental companies across Harare. According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on August 1, 2025, his method was consistent and deceptive.

Fraudster Used Multiple Aliases and Forged Documents to Steal Vehicles Before Selling to Unsuspecting Buyers

"The offender presented fake identity particulars, counterfeit driver’s licences and forged proof of residence to rent out vehicles from unsuspecting car hire operators," the NPAZ stated. To build a facade of legitimacy and trust, he would make the initial rental payments before vanishing with the vehicles. These stolen cars were then sold on to unsuspecting third parties.

A Trail of Stolen Vehicles

Several specific cases were highlighted by the authorities:

• On October 22, 2024, the man rented a grey Honda Fit. The vehicle was later traced by the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) and recovered in Damafalls after the innocent buyer, upon realizing the fraudulent nature of the sale, alerted the police.
• On November 5, 2024, using a new set of forged documents, he rented a Toyota Axio. This vehicle was subsequently sold in Dema. Police successfully tracked and recovered the car from another buyer who had no knowledge of the fraud.
• On November 13, 2024, the fraudster hired a silver Honda Fit. He attempted to mislead the owner by claiming he was in Marondera. However, the owner grew suspicious and utilized a GPS tracker to pinpoint the vehicle's actual location in Murisa Village, Seke, leading to its recovery by police.

Arrest and Public Assistance

The man’s criminal run came to an end on February 27, 2025. Acting on a tip-off, detectives located and moved to arrest him at the NSSA Building in Harare. "The accused attempted to escape upon noticing the detectives but was apprehended with the assistance of alert members of the public," the NPAZ confirmed.

A subsequent search of his belongings uncovered more forged documents, further cementing his link to the string of vehicle thefts. The NPAZ noted that all stolen vehicles were eventually recovered, with the buyers all found to be innocent third parties who had been duped.

Authorities Issue Stern Warning to Car Rental Industry

This case has prompted authorities to issue a strong warning to car rental agencies and private vehicle owners, urging them to be on high alert for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

"This case highlights the growing sophistication of fraud in the car rental industry," the NPAZ statement read. "We urge the public and businesses to carefully verify all documents presented, install real-time GPS trackers and report any suspicious activity."

Harare Man Jailed for 8 Years After Elaborate Car Rental Fraud Spree Using Fake IDs