Motorists losing valuables in Harare parking bays

Motorists in Harare are increasingly falling prey to a surge in thefts from parked vehicles, with criminals targeting busy public areas and business hubs. Police have raised alarm over the growing trend, revealing that at least five cases were reported in a single day across the capital.

Thieves are breaking into cars within minutes, making off with laptops, bags, cash, and other valuables. Businesspeople have become frequent victims, with police attributing the spike to criminals who monitor high-traffic areas and exploit moments when motorists briefly leave their vehicles unattended.

In one such incident, 38-year-old Lovemore Chitsva of Zengeza lost a grey satchel containing a Lenovo laptop, a test meter, and headphones worth US$1,230. Chitsva had parked his Nissan NP300 outside the Vehicle Inspection Depot (VID) in Belvedere, leaving it under the watch of three attendants. However, upon returning, he discovered that someone had used an unknown tool to discreetly unlock the front passenger door.

Another victim, 50-year-old Willmore Makonese from Mount Hampden, lost two silver MacBook laptops valued at US$2,000 after parking at the corner of Herbert Chitepo Avenue and 6th Street to buy food. The theft occurred in the brief moment he was away from his vehicle.

In Crowhill, Brendon Chiladze reported that his wife's green and black handbag — containing US$150 and baby supplies — was stolen while he was buying meat at Helensvale Shopping Centre. In a surprising twist, the thief left behind a black bag containing a 9mm BRG pistol with a 16-round magazine. Police have since established that the firearm had been stolen from a Harare resident.

Several other motorists fell victim on the same day. Francis Gwatiringana of Warren Park D lost a Dell laptop, bags, office stamps, a passport, an external hard drive, and keys worth US$1,600 after parking near the Boat House along Glenara Road in Highlands. Nearby, Mandara resident Same Forget Madiro lost US$4,000 worth of property — including US$1,800 cash and a 9mm pistol with its certificate — when his vehicle was broken into.

Deputy provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa confirmed the incidents and urged motorists to take extra precautions.

"We remain concerned about the reports of theft from vehicles in one day from various locations in Harare," she said. "We encourage motorists to safeguard their belongings and recommend that businesses consider hiring security personnel to protect their clients' vehicles."

Police have urged the public not to leave valuables in parked cars, even for a few minutes, as criminals continue to exploit any lapse in security.