Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Sunday News Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating two separate cases involving robbery of motor vehicles that occurred in the city last Friday.
In a statement, Bulawayo police provincial spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele revealed that the first incident took place in Emganwini suburb.
The complainant, a 33-year-old man from Sizinda, was seated in the driver’s seat of his parked blue Honda Fit (old shape) near a local school when three male suspects approached him.
“One of the accused persons opened the driver’s door, produced an unidentified pistol, and pointed it at the complainant, ordering him to disembark from the motor vehicle. The complainant complied and the other two accused persons joined in and the three of them got into the motor vehicle and drove away,” said Insp Msebele.
Following a police response and public co-operation, the stolen vehicle was recovered at around 9.30pm in the Emasotsheni area along Nketa Drive, Emganwini.
The vehicle was found parked with no ignition keys and both front and rear number plates removed.
The second case occurred later the same day at about 7.24pm.
The complainant, a 31-year-old man from Nketa 9, had just arrived home from the Bulawayo Central Business District in his silver Nissan March K12.
While parking in his yard, an unknown male wearing a black mask held the gate open to prevent it from closing. The suspect then produced a pistol, ordered the complainant out of the vehicle and proceeded to search him.
“The accused person took cash amounting to US$200 from his pockets, a cellphone, and a satchel containing US$800 and ZAR6 000. The accused person then got into the complainant’s motor vehicle and drove away towards Nketa Drive, Nketa 9, Bulawayo,” said Insp Msebele.
The stolen vehicle contained additional items, including another cellphone, a ZB Point of Sale device, and two Mi-Fi routers.
Insp Msebele praised members of the public for their assistance in the recovery of the first vehicle and urged car owners to consider installing tracking systems.
“Together we can fight theft of motor vehicles,” she said.
Regarding the second case, the police are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to come forward.
The police remain committed to ensuring safety and swift justice for victims of such crimes in Bulawayo.
