Mozambican National Arrested in Zimbabwe for Alleged Theft of Toyota Hiace
A 38-year-old Mozambican national, Zacarius Agy Garcez Amade, has been remanded in custody in Zimbabwe after he was intercepted at the Beitbridge border post while allegedly attempting to smuggle a stolen vehicle across the border.
Amade appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of forged documents. He was ordered to remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for August 29.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on August 11 in Tete Province, Mozambique. Amade was employed as a driver by a local company and had been entrusted with a Toyota Hiace minibus used to transport school children.
On the day in question, he was assigned his usual duty of ferrying pupils to and from school. After completing the afternoon run, Amade was instructed to return the company vehicle to the employer’s residence by 7:30 p.m. However, he allegedly failed to comply and instead diverted the vehicle.
Rather than heading back to his employer’s home, Amade is said to have driven directly towards the Zimbabwean border at Beitbridge. Investigations later revealed that he intended to smuggle the vehicle out of Mozambique under the guise of legitimate cross-border travel.
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Forged Documents Discovered
In order to facilitate the illegal crossing, Amade allegedly falsified several documents. These included a forged authorization letter purporting to grant him permission to use the vehicle, a counterfeit Temporary Import Permit (TIP), and a fake Zimborders receipt. He also had in his possession the vehicle’s registration book, which was later seized by authorities as evidence.
At around 8:00 p.m., the vehicle’s owner, noticing that the minibus had not been returned, reported the matter to the Mozambican police. Law enforcement agencies in Mozambique immediately raised an alert with their counterparts in Zimbabwe, leading to swift coordination between the two countries.
Mozambican Arrest at Beitbridge
Amade was intercepted at the Beitbridge border post before he could proceed further into Zimbabwe. Border officials and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) detained him and impounded the Toyota Hiace, which was later secured at CID Beitbridge.
On August 15, the owner of the vehicle travelled to Zimbabwe, where he positively identified the recovered minibus as his property. The vehicle is estimated to be worth 561,000 Mozambican meticals (approximately US$8,800).
Legal Proceedings and Cross-Border Cooperation
The case has been highlighted by prosecutors as an example of successful cross-border cooperation in tackling crime between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The NPAZ confirmed that Amade will remain in custody as investigations continue, pending his next court appearance.
Cross-border vehicle theft has been a persistent problem in southern Africa, with syndicates often attempting to smuggle stolen vehicles through Beitbridge, one of the busiest inland border posts in sub-Saharan Africa. The arrest has once again placed a spotlight on the importance of vigilance and collaboration between border authorities.
Looking Ahead
As the matter proceeds before the courts, the recovery of the vehicle has been welcomed by its owner and the Mozambican police. The case also serves as a reminder of the risks employers face when entrusting valuable company property to employees, and the increasing sophistication of methods used by individuals seeking to move stolen goods across international borders.
If convicted, Amade could face a lengthy prison sentence under Zimbabwean law, in addition to potential legal proceedings back in Mozambique.
