Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A NKULUMANE man has turned into the neighbourhood joke after he allegedly stole a Mazda B1600 only to get locked inside it a few metres from the yard, leaving him bleating for help like a trapped goat.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest of Bongani Moyo (23) after what can only be described as Bulawayo’s most embarrassing car theft attempt.
“Police confirms the arrest of Bongani Moyo in connection with a case of theft of motor vehicle,” she said.
The complainant, said Insp Msebele, had parked his white Mazda B1600 inside his yard before going to bed. At around 3AM, Bongani reportedly tiptoed into the unfenced yard, used personal keys he somehow had, and started the car.
That is where his luck expired.
“The vehicle however jerked and engine went off and its doors locked some few meters outside the yard,” said Insp Msebele. Meaning, Bongani drove off but ended up imprisoned by the very loot he was trying to steal.
The owner woke up to the sound of his own car coughing outside. When he rushed out, he found the Mazda parked outside the gate with Bongani inside, frantically wrestling the doors that had auto locked him in.
“The complainant discovered that his motor vehicle had been driven from the yard and it was outside with the accused person inside failing to open the doors to exit,” said Insp Msebele.
Neighbours joined the fun and helped drag out the sheepish suspect. Two vehicle keys were recovered from him and the car was returned undamaged.
Police say the Mazda is valued at US$2 000 and thankfully “all was recovered”.
InspectorMsebele warned: “We urge members of the public to desist from parking their vehicles in open yards without proper security measures.”
