Police sound alarm on car thefts

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has noted with concern the rise in robbery cases where unsuspecting motorists are falling prey to criminals.

ZRP said motorists are losing their vehicles to criminals after leaving vehicles unattended with keys on the ignition.

In a statement issued on November 7, 2022, police said the cases are becoming prevalent across the country with criminals posing as public transport seekers.

“On November 4, 2022, at around 1900 hours, a 34-year-old man lost a Honsa Fit vehicle registration number AFT 2657 a DSTV decoder, 13 cellphones, seven power banks and personal documents to two unknown male suspects after he had offered them a lift at corner ChinhoyiStreet and Robert Mugabe Road, Harare.

“Along the way, at Rugare traffic lights, the suspects attacked the complainant and stole his valuables and the vehicle, then they turned and later dumped the complainant in Msasa.

“On November 5, 2022, a 27-year-old man offered a lift to two unknown suspects who purported to be going to Chinhoyi at Westgate in Harare.

“Upon arrival at the 113 km peg along Harare-Chirundu Road, the suspects asked to be dropped and they attacked the complainant and stole US$3 600 cash and a Honda Fit registration number AFY 4575,” reads the statement.

In another case, on November 6, 2022, a 22-year-old Bulawayo taxi driver was hired by two unknown suspects from Bulawayo Central Business District to Nhliziyo Shopping Centre.

The suspects ordered the driver to park at a certain house where they attacked and robbed him of a Honda Fit vehicle registration number AFD 8145, a cellphone and US$100 cash.

On the same day, a 45-year-old man had an altercation with five men who were in a BMW car at Cosmopolitan Race Course, Ascot in Bulawayo.

The man is said to have parked his Honda Fit AFO 5439 and walked toward the BMW vehicle, leaving his car keys on the ignition port.

An unknown suspect stole the car while the complainant was arguing with the other men.

Meanwhile, police are investigating another car theft which occurred on November 4, 2022 at a car park in Warren Park, Harare where a 30-year-old woman found her Toyota Wish registration AEL 2656 missing after she had left the vehicle for safekeeping.