Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
HONDA Fit thieves continue to wreak havoc in Bulawayo after two more vehicles were stolen within hours of each other on Saturday, leaving owners counting their losses and police renewing calls for motorists to tighten security.
The latest thefts occurred in the Bulawayo Central Business District (CBD) and Bellevue, with one victim losing his vehicle together with valuables that had been left inside.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incidents and urged motorists to avoid leaving their vehicles unsecured.
She said the first theft occurred at around 1pm when a 35-year-old Harrisvale resident parked his old-shape white
Honda Fit at the corner of Third Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street before entering a nearby supermarket.
“The complainant left all the vehicle’s doors and windows closed but not locked. He returned about five minutes later and discovered that the vehicle had been stolen,” said Insp Msebele.
Inside the vehicle were a cellphone, a power bank, a Bluetooth speaker, a spare tyre, three jackets, a pair of jeans and US$35 cash. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at US$5 000 and nothing has been recovered.
In the second incident, at around 7.20pm, a 25-year-old Bellevue resident parked his red Honda Fit outside a supermarket before going inside to shop.
“He returned about 10 minutes later and found that the vehicle had been stolen,” said Insp Msebele. Police have since launched investigations into both cases.
Inspector Msebele urged motorists to be vigilant at all times.
“We urge 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 members of the public with information that could assist police in recovering the stolen vehicles or arresting the suspects to report to the nearest police station. The latest incidents come as other Honda Fit owners continue to search for vehicles stolen in recent weeks.
One of them is Hloniphani Ncube, whose Honda Fit was stolen in a separate incident and has still not been recovered.
Ncube said he had parked outside a local bar, expecting to be away for only a short time.
“I had only been inside the bar for about 30 minutes. When I came back, the car was gone. I was shocked because everything happened so fast. I immediately rushed to Mzilikazi Police Station to report the theft,” he said.
“That car was our only means of transport. I used it every day to take my children to school, run family errands and get around the city. Since it was stolen, life has become very difficult. We now have to rely on public transport and it has affected our daily routine,” said Ncube.
