Court Reserves Ruling in K300 Million Cross-Border Car Theft Dispute

The High Court in Lilongwe has reserved its ruling in a high-profile car theft case involving Zimbabwean car hire mogul Nesbert Mukora and Malawian entrepreneur Yollam Kawanga.

The dispute revolves around a Toyota Land Cruiser 300, valued at K300 million, which is now at the centre of a complex cross-border legal battle involving Interpol, the Malawi Police Service, and South African authorities.

According to a statement dated August 18, 2025, from Captain Jeffry Barry Lucas of South Africa’s International Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, the vehicle was reported stolen, allegedly by Jolene Margaret Janse Van Vuuren, a South African national.

However, a conflicting report from Superintendent Kettie Msowoya of the Malawi Police Service, dated October 9, 2025, indicates that the vehicle was never flagged as stolen in any jurisdiction effectively clearing the way for Kawanga to acquire it legally.

Mukora, represented by lawyer Khwima Mchizi, has since asked the court to set aside a default judgment previously issued in Kawanga’s favour and to have the vehicle surrendered to Interpol pending the court’s final determination.

The court is expected to announce its ruling in due course.