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Honda Fit theft wave sparks syndicate fears in Gweru
10 hrs ago |
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Police in Gweru have recovered six stolen vehicles within a three-week period, raising suspicions of a coordinated car theft syndicate targeting small vehicles in the Midlands capital.
Midlands police acting spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Mollidias Zivuku, confirmed that all the recovered vehicles were Honda Fit models - mostly older versions - stolen between March 26 and April 16 from suburbs including Ascot Extension, Mtapa and Old Ascot.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is informing the public on the recovery of six motor vehicles which were stolen in Gweru," said Zivuku.
The vehicles, predominantly blue and silver Honda Fit units, were found in various parts of the city such as the central business district, Ridgemont, Riverside and Pfende plots. In some cases, recoveries were made within 24 hours of the theft.
In one incident, a vehicle stolen in Mtapa on March 28 was recovered in the city centre the following day. Another, taken from Old Ascot on April 16, was found near Cecil Hotel on the same day.
Police estimate the total value of the recovered vehicles at around US$20,000.
The pattern - same vehicle model, similar colours, and a concentrated geographic area - has heightened concerns that an organised syndicate may be targeting easily movable and high-demand cars.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests linked to the recoveries, but investigations are ongoing.
In a separate incident underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities, a Kwekwe man lost his vehicle after leaving it unattended with keys in the ignition.
According to police, Pruate Muteveri parked his silver Toyota Allion outside his home in Fitchlea around midday, intending to return shortly. However, when he came back about 30 minutes later, the vehicle had been stolen.
The missing car is valued at approximately US$5,000.
Police have urged motorists to remain vigilant and avoid negligence, warning that leaving vehicles unlocked or with keys inside is contributing to rising theft cases.
"We appeal to members of the public with information that may lead to the recovery of stolen vehicles and arrest of suspects to report at any nearest police station," Zivuku said.
Midlands police acting spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Mollidias Zivuku, confirmed that all the recovered vehicles were Honda Fit models - mostly older versions - stolen between March 26 and April 16 from suburbs including Ascot Extension, Mtapa and Old Ascot.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is informing the public on the recovery of six motor vehicles which were stolen in Gweru," said Zivuku.
The vehicles, predominantly blue and silver Honda Fit units, were found in various parts of the city such as the central business district, Ridgemont, Riverside and Pfende plots. In some cases, recoveries were made within 24 hours of the theft.
In one incident, a vehicle stolen in Mtapa on March 28 was recovered in the city centre the following day. Another, taken from Old Ascot on April 16, was found near Cecil Hotel on the same day.
Police estimate the total value of the recovered vehicles at around US$20,000.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests linked to the recoveries, but investigations are ongoing.
In a separate incident underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities, a Kwekwe man lost his vehicle after leaving it unattended with keys in the ignition.
According to police, Pruate Muteveri parked his silver Toyota Allion outside his home in Fitchlea around midday, intending to return shortly. However, when he came back about 30 minutes later, the vehicle had been stolen.
The missing car is valued at approximately US$5,000.
Police have urged motorists to remain vigilant and avoid negligence, warning that leaving vehicles unlocked or with keys inside is contributing to rising theft cases.
"We appeal to members of the public with information that may lead to the recovery of stolen vehicles and arrest of suspects to report at any nearest police station," Zivuku said.
Source - Midweek Watch
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