EXILED music icon Thomas Mapfumo is demanding the return of his five vehicles seized by police in 2000.
Speaking to Standard Style from his United States base, Mapfumo alleged that the 2000 accusations of buying stolen BMWs were unfounded.
He insisted that the individuals who sold him the cars were freely roaming Zimbabwe, making his arrest unjustified.
The veteran musician claims that continued government persecution over this incident led him to flee the country for the United States in 2004.
“When they impounded my cars, the police claimed I had bought stolen cars,” he said.
“Surprisingly, George Shugo, who sold the cars to me, was never arrested.
“They seemed intent on punishing me for my criticism of Zanu PF.
“The cars were simply parked at Morris Depot.
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“Due to continued persecution, I left Zimbabwe.
“My associate, Cuthbert Chirombo, was called to take the cars because no one had come forward to claim ownership.
“Chirombo went to see the cars and arranged to pick them up a week later.
“Unfortunately, when he returned, the cars were missing.”.
Mapfumo added that the case was being handled by his lawyer and that he is determined to reclaim his cars.
“I never stole cars, and no one was ever charged,” he said.
“I want my cars back, and the case is with my lawyers.
“My lawyer, Warara, said they want me to return to Zimbabwe and present my case.
“That could be a trap by Mnangagwa's regime.”
The then Robert Mugabe regime and Zanu PF supporters have used the vehicle issue to claim that Mapfumo fled Zimbabwe not due to political persecution, but rather to escape a criminal case.
However, Mapfumo insisted that the accusations against him were politically motivated.
He alleges that his criticism of the Mugabe regime led to his persecution and forced him to flee the country.
