Teenager disappears with Johane Marange leader’s R700 000
Story By Desmond Chingarande
The saying “from rags to riches and back to rags” fits the story of a Rusape teenager who allegedly went on a shopping spree after taking a bag holding 700 000 South African rand from a Harare-bound bus on May 7.
The cash belonged to Johane Marange sect leader Nimrod Taguta.
Taguta’s aide, Tinashe Mafararikwa, had placed the bag in the bus’s luggage compartment, not knowing that Hute was watching him.
When the bus stopped in Rusape, Hute, who had paid for a ticket to Harare, got off, claimed the bag as his own and left with it before Mafararikwa noticed anything amiss, in a scene straight out of a film.
The theft only came to light once the bus reached Harare, and Taguta then reported the matter to the police.
Roughly four months later, on September 24, 2026, detectives received a tip connecting Hute to the crime.
Following the lead, police arrested Hute and recovered Taguta’s bag, along with items valued at US$5 900 that were allegedly purchased with the stolen cash.
On Monday, Hute admitted to the theft when he appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
His alleged accomplice, Marko Kudakwashe Punungwe, pleaded not guilty.
According to the State, Hute spent part of the loot on household goods and a solar system, among other items.
The State further claims he handed some of the money to Jonathan Taruwanda and James Sham, suspected members of the President’s office, who are currently at large.
Hute also allegedly gave part of the cash to his sister.
Reporting based on original coverage by Newsday.
