Zimra officer loses GD6 to thieves while refueling

A senior investigations officer with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) was left counting heavy losses after his Toyota GD6 double cab was stolen at a Bulawayo service station on Saturday.

The officer, who cannot be named for security reasons, had stopped to refuel when the incident occurred. According to police sources, he left the vehicle idling with the ignition key still in place while he went inside the shop to make payment after being advised by the fuel attendant that the swipe machine was located indoors.

Inside the unattended vehicle were his two cellphones and a wallet containing US$1 000.

Moments later, three unidentified suspects wearing balaclavas drove past the service station in a Honda Fit, reportedly circling the vehicle several times before abandoning their own car. They then jumped into the Toyota GD6 and sped off.

Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the incident but said further details would be released in due course as investigations continue.

The theft highlights growing concerns over rising vehicle crime in urban centres, with police repeatedly urging motorists not to leave cars unattended or idling at fuel stations and public places.