Oliver Rimai (43) appeared in court yesterday facing two counts of theft, accused of snatching an iPhone from a woman driving in Harare’s avenues area.
Harare magistrate Sharon Rakafa remanded Rimai in custody until February 26.
According to the State, the incident occurred on February 1 around 7:45 pm when Chido Mnangagwa was driving her Mercedes-Benz along 7th Street, intending to turn left into Hebert Chitepo Avenue, and stopped at the traffic lights.
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Rimai, known for targeting motorists at traffic lights, allegedly seized the opportunity and snatched Mnangagwa’s iPhone 15 Pro Max through an open passenger’s side window before fleeing.
Mnangagwa promptly informed her brother, Tichaona Viano, who pursued and apprehended Rimai, recovering the stolen phone valued at US$1,900 before handing him over to the police.
In another incident, Rimai allegedly stole a Samsung S23 Ultra and a Samsung 4 Smart using the same method at the corner of 6th Street and Samora Machel Avenue. Uzziel Maukola reported that Rimai, dressed in black, fled along 6th Street before turning into Central Avenue.
Maukola pursued and encountered a woman who identified Rimai. He then reported the incident to the police. The total value of the stolen property is US$2,250.
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