News / National
2 cars stolen in Bulawayo city centre
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Two vehicles were stolen in separate incidents in Bulawayo's central business district over the weekend, with one of the thefts occurring after the driver left the engine running to search for change.
Bulawayo police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed both incidents in a statement on Monday and urged the public to be more cautious when parking their vehicles in the city centre.
The first case involved a 48-year-old man from Pumula South who had parked his silver Honda Fit along Herbert Chitepo Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, on Saturday. The victim locked the vehicle's doors and windows before entering Africa Bet Shop but left the boot unsecured due to a mechanical fault.
"He spent about 45 minutes inside Africa Bet Shop and returned to the parking bay to discover his motor vehicle had been stolen," said Inspector Msebele.
The second incident took place the following day and involved a 30-year-old commuter omnibus driver from Nguboyenja. The man had parked his Toyota Baby Quantum near Food For Less at the corner of 11th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street. He left the vehicle running as he went to look for change.
"While outside the vehicle, he saw the accused person jump from the passenger's seat to the driver's seat and drive away at high speed along Herbert Street heading towards Plumtree," said Inspector Msebele.
The driver immediately hired a taxi in a bid to pursue the stolen vehicle, which is valued at US$13,500, but was unsuccessful in locating it.
Inspector Msebele confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing and appealed to members of the public with any information to come forward.
"We urge motorists to be vigilant and avoid leaving their vehicles unattended, especially with the engine running. Anyone with information that may lead to the recovery of the stolen vehicles or arrest of the suspects should contact the nearest police station," she said.
The incidents have raised concern over growing cases of vehicle theft in the city centre, with police encouraging vehicle owners to ensure all security features are functional and to avoid complacency.
Bulawayo police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed both incidents in a statement on Monday and urged the public to be more cautious when parking their vehicles in the city centre.
The first case involved a 48-year-old man from Pumula South who had parked his silver Honda Fit along Herbert Chitepo Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, on Saturday. The victim locked the vehicle's doors and windows before entering Africa Bet Shop but left the boot unsecured due to a mechanical fault.
"He spent about 45 minutes inside Africa Bet Shop and returned to the parking bay to discover his motor vehicle had been stolen," said Inspector Msebele.
The second incident took place the following day and involved a 30-year-old commuter omnibus driver from Nguboyenja. The man had parked his Toyota Baby Quantum near Food For Less at the corner of 11th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street. He left the vehicle running as he went to look for change.
"While outside the vehicle, he saw the accused person jump from the passenger's seat to the driver's seat and drive away at high speed along Herbert Street heading towards Plumtree," said Inspector Msebele.
The driver immediately hired a taxi in a bid to pursue the stolen vehicle, which is valued at US$13,500, but was unsuccessful in locating it.
Inspector Msebele confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing and appealed to members of the public with any information to come forward.
"We urge motorists to be vigilant and avoid leaving their vehicles unattended, especially with the engine running. Anyone with information that may lead to the recovery of the stolen vehicles or arrest of the suspects should contact the nearest police station," she said.
The incidents have raised concern over growing cases of vehicle theft in the city centre, with police encouraging vehicle owners to ensure all security features are functional and to avoid complacency.
Source - zimpapers
