Zimbabwean man jailed for stealing police vehicle

The Chinhoyi Magistrates' Court has sentenced a 23-year-old man to an effective one year in prison after he stole a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) vehicle from Chemagamba Police Camp in Chinhoyi.

Godfrey Musa Ndlovu was convicted of theft and handed a total sentence of 30 months' imprisonment, with 18 months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve 12 months behind bars.

According to the State, the incident occurred on December 7, 2025, at around 5am. A ZRP officer was preparing to travel to Mutoko in a silver Kia Rio police vehicle when Ndlovu, who is a relative of a neighbour, requested transport into Chinhoyi town. The officer agreed and allowed him to load his goods into the vehicle.

Before departure, the officer briefly returned to his residence to collect a mobile phone, leaving the vehicle keys inside his jacket on the seat. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ndlovu retrieved the keys and drove off with the police vehicle.

Following a tip-off, police later apprehended Ndlovu near Thrills Service Station while he was travelling in an unregistered taxi, commonly known as a mushikashika. He subsequently led officers to Ruvimbo Phase 2 in Chinhoyi, where the stolen vehicle was recovered.

The vehicle, valued at US$6 000, was found with its registration plates removed, the third plate altered, the police radio disconnected and the communication aerial damaged. The missing registration plates, valued at US$650, were not recovered.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority said the case underscored the seriousness with which the law treats offences involving State property.

"State property is protected under law. Abuse of trust and unlawful conduct will attract severe penalties," the NPA said.