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Woman devastated as SA registered Toyota Fortuner stolen from Bulawayo car wash
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A Bulawayo woman has been left devastated after her vehicle was stolen in broad daylight on Monday, right in front of staff at a car wash located on the outskirts of the Central Business District. Police have since launched a search for the stolen vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner with South African registration plates, valued at US$22,000.
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube, the theft occurred on November 18, 2024, when the victim, a 40-year-old woman from Reigate suburb, sent her vehicle to Tunnel Carwash for a cleaning service.
The woman instructed her employee to take the white Toyota Fortuner to the carwash, where it was left with staff for a routine wash. However, when the complainant returned at around 4 PM to collect the vehicle, she was informed by the manager that the car had been stolen.
"The car wash staff reported that they saw the vehicle being driven off along Matopos Road going south. When the manager inquired with his staff, none of them confirmed having given the keys to anyone or authorized the release of the vehicle," Inspector Ncube explained.
The victim, along with her driver, was left stunned and confused by the news, with no clear explanation as to how the car had been stolen despite the staff being present at the car wash.
Police have since issued an appeal to the public for any information that may help in recovering the stolen vehicle and identifying the perpetrator(s).
"We are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) to come forward. The vehicle is a white Toyota Fortuner with a GP number plate, and it was stolen from Tunnel Carwash along R. Mugabe Way. We are doing everything we can to track it down," said Inspector Ncube.
The police have increased their efforts to investigate the theft, which has left the car owner feeling helpless and violated.
The stolen Toyota Fortuner, a high-value vehicle, is believed to have been taken under unusual circumstances, raising questions about the car wash's security measures and the actions of its staff.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings or information related to the vehicle's whereabouts.
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube, the theft occurred on November 18, 2024, when the victim, a 40-year-old woman from Reigate suburb, sent her vehicle to Tunnel Carwash for a cleaning service.
The woman instructed her employee to take the white Toyota Fortuner to the carwash, where it was left with staff for a routine wash. However, when the complainant returned at around 4 PM to collect the vehicle, she was informed by the manager that the car had been stolen.
"The car wash staff reported that they saw the vehicle being driven off along Matopos Road going south. When the manager inquired with his staff, none of them confirmed having given the keys to anyone or authorized the release of the vehicle," Inspector Ncube explained.
The victim, along with her driver, was left stunned and confused by the news, with no clear explanation as to how the car had been stolen despite the staff being present at the car wash.
"We are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) to come forward. The vehicle is a white Toyota Fortuner with a GP number plate, and it was stolen from Tunnel Carwash along R. Mugabe Way. We are doing everything we can to track it down," said Inspector Ncube.
The police have increased their efforts to investigate the theft, which has left the car owner feeling helpless and violated.
The stolen Toyota Fortuner, a high-value vehicle, is believed to have been taken under unusual circumstances, raising questions about the car wash's security measures and the actions of its staff.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings or information related to the vehicle's whereabouts.
Source - The Chronicle
