Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has sounded the alarm on a rising wave of motor vehicle thefts, with careless drivers making it easy for criminals to strike.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that six vehicles were stolen in just one day, on 12 June 2025, in Harare and Mashonaland West. Some were taken from residential areas and unlocked cars with keys left inside.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the recent cases of motor vehicle thefts across the country,” said Comm Nyathi. “These cases are occurring at residential areas, overnight car parks or when vehicle owners leave car keys on the ignition of unattended vehicles.”
One of the biggest heists was in Avonlea, Harare, where thieves broke into company premises and got away with two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux and a Mazda BT50, along with cement, generators, fridges, solar batteries, and even money-counting machines. The Toyota Hilux was later found dumped in Majuru Village, Kutama.
In Mutorashanga, a man lost his Honda Fit after he parked it in the backyard of a shop and went to bed, leaving the keys inside. He woke up to find the vehicle gone.
Another man in Karoi offered shelter in his car to someone he only knew as Moses Kachasu. He later discovered that Moses had vanished with the vehicle, despite the keys being in the house.
In Fairview Park, Ruwa, a thief broke into a home, stole the car keys from the top of a wardrobe, and made off with a Nissan Caravan NV350.
And in Harare’s CBD, a man returned from a short errand only to find his unlocked Honda Fit had disappeared from the corner of Leopold Takawira and Samora Machel.
Police are urging the public to wake up and stop inviting criminals.
“Motorists must be cautious, vigilant, alert, secure their vehicles properly and avoid leaving car keys in unattended vehicles,” said Comm Nyathi. “It is the responsibility of drivers and vehicle owners to assist in the maintenance of law and order.”
As thieves grow bolder, police say vehicle owners must take basic precautions or risk losing more than just a ride.
