Zimbabwe politician takes off in Ford car show model
Thai models pose next to a Ford Focus on display at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand on Mar. 27, 2012.
A Zimbabwe politician appears to have taken Ford Motor Co.'s new "Go Further" slogan a little too far.
Aaron Muzungu, 38, a spokesman for the small MDC-99 splinter opposition party, got into a display vehicle at a Harare car show — and then drove it away.
When Muzungu climbed into the new Ford Ranger T6, the pickup truck had gone just 10 miles. When police finally caught up with him, eight days later, it had racked up more than 800 miles, state prosecutors said this week, according to NewZimbabwe.com.
Prosecutors told the Harare Magistrates' Court that Muzungu had presented himself as a potential buyer at the event, and allegedly took off in the Ford Ranger while staff were busy with other customers.
The $57,000 truck had a full tank of fuel and keys in the ignition when he allegedly took it for a joy ride earlier this month.
Muzungu was charged with auto theft, but denies it, saying he had purchased the truck at the car show.
He will appear in court June 19 on theft charges.
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