Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo,Check Point Desk
A MAN who left his Toyota Hilux GD6 at a local panel beating shop for repairs has disappeared without a trace — a month after his vehicle was involved in a horrific crash that killed a Chronicle driver.
The white GD6, bearing South African registration plates, was left by a man identified only as S Tshabalala. Police say he dropped off the vehicle, gave a Florida, South Africa, address, and vanished.
Before Tshabalala could return, two workers at the garage — Melusi Nkomo and Shelton Dube (19) of Nkulumane 12 — allegedly conspired with the security guard to sneak the vehicle out for a late-night joyride with friends.
The outing turned deadly when Nkomo, behind the wheel and carrying eight passengers, veered into oncoming traffic and rammed into a motorcycle ridden by Chronicle driver Silas Bhunu (43). Bhunu died on the spot.
The GD6 then ploughed into an electricity pole. The pair and their friends bolted, leaving four injured passengers trapped inside.
Bulawayo Traffic West cops moved swiftly and nabbed the duo hours later.
Deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said the missing owner remains a mystery.
“The vehicle was brought in by a man who only identified himself as S Tshabalala. He said he would return to collect it, but he never came back. The only address he gave was in Florida, South Africa,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information on Tshabalala’s whereabouts to come forward as investigations continue.
