News / National
Armed hijackers strike in Bulawayo
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A dramatic carjacking occurred in Bulawayo on Wednesday night when three armed men hijacked a white Ford Ranger Twin Cab at gunpoint. The vehicle, valued at over US$40,000, was stolen at Chigumira Shopping Centre in Luveve while the owner, Mr. Jabulani Sibanda, was returning from shopping at Advance Supermarket.
The Hijacking
The incident unfolded around 9 PM when Mr. Sibanda was reversing his vehicle after shopping. As he backed out of his parking spot, two of the suspects, armed with pistols, approached the vehicle, while the third suspect remained unarmed. The armed men forced Mr. Sibanda out of the car, then sped off with the vehicle, leaving him unharmed but shaken.
According to Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the stolen vehicle contained groceries worth US$5, a Techno Canon 11 cellphone, a Nokia cellphone, and approximately 35 liters of diesel.
Vehicle Recovered in Gwanda
Less than 24 hours after the hijacking, the stolen vehicle was recovered in Gwanda. The car's owner, Ms. Sithembile Mkwite, confirmed the recovery, stating that she had traveled to Gwanda with police to retrieve the vehicle. However, forensic investigations are still ongoing, as police continue to analyze fingerprints and other evidence.
"This is a relief, but investigations are still in progress," Ms. Mkwite said.
Recent Vehicle Theft Incident
The hijacking comes just days after a similar vehicle theft in Bulawayo, where a Toyota Fortuner, valued at US$22,000, was stolen from Tunnel Car Wash along Robert Mugabe Way. The vehicle, which had South African registration plates, belonged to a woman from Reigate suburb. According to reports, the vehicle was taken while an employee of the owner went to fetch it from the car wash.
Bulawayo police have since launched an investigation into the theft of the Toyota Fortuner and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects or the recovery of the vehicle.
Police Appeal for Vigilance
In light of the rising trend in vehicle thefts, Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, has urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in high-traffic areas such as car washes.
"We appeal to the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities immediately. Vehicle thefts are becoming more frequent, and community cooperation is vital in addressing these crimes," said Inspector Ncube.
Police are continuing their investigations into both incidents, and community cooperation remains crucial in the fight against vehicle-related crimes.
The Hijacking
The incident unfolded around 9 PM when Mr. Sibanda was reversing his vehicle after shopping. As he backed out of his parking spot, two of the suspects, armed with pistols, approached the vehicle, while the third suspect remained unarmed. The armed men forced Mr. Sibanda out of the car, then sped off with the vehicle, leaving him unharmed but shaken.
According to Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the stolen vehicle contained groceries worth US$5, a Techno Canon 11 cellphone, a Nokia cellphone, and approximately 35 liters of diesel.
Vehicle Recovered in Gwanda
Less than 24 hours after the hijacking, the stolen vehicle was recovered in Gwanda. The car's owner, Ms. Sithembile Mkwite, confirmed the recovery, stating that she had traveled to Gwanda with police to retrieve the vehicle. However, forensic investigations are still ongoing, as police continue to analyze fingerprints and other evidence.
"This is a relief, but investigations are still in progress," Ms. Mkwite said.
Recent Vehicle Theft Incident
Bulawayo police have since launched an investigation into the theft of the Toyota Fortuner and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects or the recovery of the vehicle.
Police Appeal for Vigilance
In light of the rising trend in vehicle thefts, Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, has urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in high-traffic areas such as car washes.
"We appeal to the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities immediately. Vehicle thefts are becoming more frequent, and community cooperation is vital in addressing these crimes," said Inspector Ncube.
Police are continuing their investigations into both incidents, and community cooperation remains crucial in the fight against vehicle-related crimes.
Source - The Chronicle
