Online Reporter
Abel Zhakata
Correspondent
POLICE intelligence officers have recovered a Honda Fit that was allegedly stolen by a client who had hired it as a taxi before disappearing with the vehicle during a drinking and braai outing in Chikanga.
The suspect, Allan Richard Masiye (30), is accused of driving away with the vehicle together with his girlfriend after allegedly tricking the owner and driver, Tanaka Chiyadzwa (27), into leaving the car unattended.
According to the police, Chiyadzwa met Masiye in Mutare’s Central Business District on August 14. Masiye reportedly hired the Honda Fit, Registration Number AFL 6562, for a trip to Chikanga, and the two later drove to TM Business Centre.
While there, Masiye suggested that they have a braai. During the outing, he was joined by his girlfriend and the trio spent time together while their meat was being prepared.
Police said Chiyadzwa left the pair seated in the vehicle and went to check on the meat, leaving the keys in the ignition.
“When he returned a few minutes later, he discovered that the vehicle was no longer parked where he had left it,” police said in a statement.
Initially, Chiyadzwa believed Masiye had briefly driven off with his girlfriend and would soon return. However, as the hours passed, the suspect failed to come back.
Chiyadzwa waited until about 10pm before attempting to contact Masiye. His calls went unanswered as the suspect’s mobile phone had been switched off.
The following day, August 15, Chiyadzwa reported the matter to ZRP Chikanga after failing to establish contact with Masiye.
Later that day, members of the public spotted the missing vehicle parked near Marori tuckshops in the Gimboki suburb.
Masiye was reportedly seen sitting inside the car for several hours, raising suspicion among residents.
At around 6pm, concerned residents alerted police officers from Dangamvura, who attended the scene to verify the situation.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen at ZRP Chikanga. Masiye was immediately arrested, while the Honda Fit was recovered.
The suspect and the vehicle were taken to ZRP Dangamvura, where Masiye was detained. The recovered vehicle was being held as an exhibit before being handed over to ZRP Chikanga as part of ongoing investigations.
