Honda Fits under siege! Two stolen in one day as police warn motorists

Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
The theft of Honda Fit vehicles continues to plague Bulawayo, with two more cars stolen within hours of each other on Saturday, prompting police to issue another warning to motorists to stop leaving their vehicles unsecured.
The latest incidents come barely a week after B-Metro reported a string of vehicle thefts and armed robberies targeting motorists in the city, with police urging drivers to remain vigilant.
In a statement released by Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, police said the first theft occurred on 11 July at around 1pm in the Central Business District.
A 35-year-old Harrisvale man parked his old-shape white Honda Fit at the corner of 3rd Avenue and J.M. Nkomo Street before entering a nearby supermarket.
According to the statement, although all the vehicle’s doors and windows were closed, they had not been locked.
“The complainant returned after about five minutes and discovered that the motor vehicle was missing,” said Insp Msebele.
Also stolen were a Samsung A05S cell phone, a power bank, a Bluetooth speaker, one vehicle tyre, three jackets, and a pair of jean trousers and US$35 cash that had been left inside the vehicle.
Police said the total value of the stolen property is US$5 000, and nothing has been recovered.
The statement further revealed that just hours later another Honda Fit was stolen in Bellevue.
A 25-year-old Bellevue resident had parked his vehicle outside a supermarket at around 7.20pm before going inside to shop.
“He came out after about 10 minutes and discovered that his motor vehicle had been stolen,” said Insp Msebele.
No arrests have been made in either case and investigations are continuing.
The latest thefts add to a growing list of Honda Fits being targeted by criminals in Bulawayo, with the popular vehicles increasingly becoming a preferred target for car thieves.
Insp Msebele urged motorists to exercise maximum caution whenever leaving their vehicles unattended.
“Vehicle owners are strongly advised to always lock all doors and close all windows before leaving their vehicles, never leave valuable property inside parked vehicles and consider installing vehicle tracking devices and anti-theft security systems,” she said.
She appealed to anyone with information that may assist in the recovery of the stolen vehicles or the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station.