Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
TWO Bulawayo motorists were left reeling in disbelief after losing their vehicles in separate incidents within a week as cases of high-end car thefts continue to spiral, not only in the city but across the country.
The two city motorists lost vehicles with a combined value of US$100 000.
They join a growing list of victims who have lost vehicles to criminals nationwide in recent days. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over the surge in motor vehicle thefts countrywide, particularly from residential areas, overnight parking spots, and when motorists offer lifts to strangers.
In Bulawayo, a 64-year-old woman lost a Toyota Fortuner worth US$55 000 on June 11 in Pumula South suburb when two suspects threatened her with a pistol and demanded the car keys.
“Police in Bulawayo have since observed an emerging trend in the robbery of motor vehicles, following the theft of two Toyota Fortuner cars in separate incidents,” said provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
“In the first case, a 64-year-old complainant from Malindela suburb parked her silver Toyota Fortuner outside her other house in Pumula South, where she had gone to check on the progress in painting the house.
“She left the vehicle secured, but upon returning to it, she was approached by an unknown suspect who threatened her with a pistol, demanded the keys, and warned he would shoot if she did not comply.”
The suspects made off with the vehicle, US$43 in cash, medication worth US$50, and a 20-litre bucket of paint valued at US$138.
Inspector Msebele said the second theft occurred along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road on June 16.
“A male adult from Parklands suburb, travelling with his wife, was driving a Toyota Fortuner, registration number AFK 3226, from the city centre towards Inyathi.
“Near Kingsdale shops, the driver parked the vehicle on the roadside for a break, when suspects emerged from behind the vehicle armed with a pistol and an okapi knife,” said Inspector Msebele.
One suspect demanded the car keys while four others jumped into the vehicle.
“The five suspects sped off with the vehicle, driving approximately 50 metres in the direction of Inyathi before stopping and ordering the victim’s wife to jump out,” said the police spokesperson.
The suspects made off with the US$45 000 vehicle, two iPhone 13 Pro Max smartphones valued at US$1 400 and groceries worth US$50.
Meanwhile, 11 vehicles were stolen nationwide in a single day, according to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ZRP said it was increasingly concerned by the rise in motor vehicle thefts, particularly from residential areas, at overnight parking, and when motorists offer lifts to strangers.
On June 11, 2025, police recorded a spike in thefts, including five separate incidents in Harare and one in Mashonaland West province involving six vehicles.
In Avonlea, Harare, thieves broke into business premises and stole two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux and a Mazda BT50, alongside generators, cement, refrigerators, solar batteries, money-counting machines, and a digital camera. The Toyota Hilux was later recovered abandoned in Majuru Village, Kutama.
On the same day in Mutorashanga, a complainant left a Honda Fit parked behind a shop with the ignition keys inside. By midnight, the vehicle had disappeared.
In Fairview Park, Ruwa, a 45-year-old man parked and locked his Nissan Caravan NV350 before going to bed. Burglars broke into the house, stole household items and the car keys, and drove off with the vehicle.
Another Honda Fit was stolen in central Harare after it was left unlocked at the corner of Leopold Takawira Street and Samora Machel Avenue while the owner attended to other business.
Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists to remain vigilant, avoid leaving ignition keys in unattended vehicles, and ensure cars are properly secured at all times, whether at home or in public spaces.
“It is the responsibility of drivers and vehicle owners to assist in the maintenance of law and order, particularly by securing vehicles at home, in city parking areas, and elsewhere,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
