Bulawayo man on the run after a 16 vehicle for hire theft scam

POLICE have launched a manhunt for a 27-year-old Bulawayo man who allegedly defrauded unsuspecting vehicle owners of 16 motor vehicles valued at US$161 500 in a vehicle-hire scam.

Keith Nyasha Sibanda of Mahatshula North allegedly targeted vehicle owners between June 2025 and July 2026, gaining possession of their vehicles after claiming that he wanted to hire them for short periods.

According to Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, Sibanda would allegedly gain the trust of vehicle owners before extending the agreed hire periods.

He would then allegedly dispose of the vehicles by selling them or using them as collateral to secure loans from different individuals.

“As a result of his actions, the complainants lost a total of 16 motor vehicles all valued at US$161 500 and a total of 13 motor vehicles have since been recovered,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
Police urged members of the public with information that could assist in locating him to report to the nearest police station.