A 34-year-old Chinese national Meng Dong residing in Highlands, Harare, finds himself entangled in a legal battle after allegedly breaching a trust agreement by unlawfully selling a motor vehicle that he had rented, leading to his apprehension by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The incident, which unfolded on February 5, 2024, involves Meng Dong, who requested a motor vehicle from Sun Hao, aged 51, for a four-day period.
Sun Hao, in compliance with the request, provided Dong with a Nissan Patrol, registration number AFX 0908, chassis number JN1TANY62Z0156000, and engine number VK56537255A.
However, Dong’s actions took a nefarious turn as he allegedly violated the trust agreement by selling the vehicle to Wiltech Auto Trade Car Sale, located on Enterprise Road, Harare, on the same day. Reports suggest Dong utilized forged documents in the transaction.
Upon discovering the vehicle’s unauthorized sale, Sun Hao confronted Meng Dong, only to be met with claims that the vehicle had been utilized as collateral for a loan. Unconvinced by Dong’s explanation, Hao promptly reported the incident to the ZRP Highlands Police Station.
ALSO READ: Former Magistrate Shaun Kubonera Faces Fraud Charges in Court
Following the report, a swift investigation ensued, leading to the apprehension of Meng Dong on March 3, 2024. As a result of the diligent efforts of law enforcement, the stolen motor vehicle was successfully recovered from Wiltech Auto Trade Car Sale in Harare, where Dong had purportedly sold it.
The estimated value of the stolen vehicle amounts to US$98,000, all of which was recovered intact. The recovered Nissan Patrol will serve as crucial evidence in the impending legal proceedings against Meng Dong.
Dong now faces charges related to breaching the trust agreement, forgery, and unlawfully selling the rented vehicle. The case highlights the importance of upholding trust agreements and the swift response of law enforcement agencies in apprehending perpetrators of economic crimes.
As the legal process unfolds, the Zimbabwean judiciary will determine Meng Dong’s culpability in the unlawful sale of the motor vehicle, underscoring the nation’s commitment to justice and accountability in such matters.
