Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
A 16-year-old juvenile from Hwange has been convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of three counts of motor vehicle theft.
According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) national spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the juvenile’s crime spree began on June 3 when he allegedly stole a Honda Fit that had been parked outside the complainant’s home overnight.
“The accused reportedly used an unknown object to unlock the vehicle before starting the engine and driving away. The owner discovered the theft the following morning and reported the matter to police. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Cinderella, Hwange,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said using a similar modus operandi, the juvenile allegedly struck again on June 4, stealing another Honda Fit after its owner had parked it outside the yard before retiring to bed.
The second vehicle was recovered on June 10 after detectives from CID Victoria Falls received information that it had been abandoned at Sawanga Mall in Victoria Falls.
“A manhunt was subsequently launched and, on June 10, detectives spotted the suspect sitting in a third Honda Fit that had reportedly been stolen earlier that day.
“Upon noticing the detectives, the accused allegedly sped off in the vehicle but was later apprehended and the vehicle recovered,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
The juvenile appeared before Hwange Regional Magistrate Shepherd Munjanja, with Ms Gracious Tshuma representing the State.
He was convicted on June 25, 2026, and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, police have arrested two Harare men in connection with an alleged vehicle theft and fraud syndicate involving hired vehicles.
CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) Harare detectives arrested Edmore Chiseko (43) and Dean Chirimunimba (32) on June 24 after receiving information that Chirimunimba was attempting to sell a Honda Fit suspected to have been stolen.
Investigations led to the recovery of the vehicle as well as a forged registration book.
Further investigations allegedly revealed that the suspects would hire vehicles from car rental companies before fraudulently selling them to unsuspecting buyers using forged registration documents.
The pair is expected to appear in court on Friday.
