Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
POLICE in Harare have urged motorists to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles following a surge in car theft cases.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that three cases were under investigation within the last two weeks.
In one of the cases, Collen Mubvumbi (46) of Shawasha Flats, Mbare, had a narrow escape after a thief who stole his vehicle was eventually caught.
Police said Mubvumbi had left his Nissan NV200 idling while he went to buy groceries at a tuckshop near Nenyere Flats.
While he was still at the shop, he noticed that the vehicle was moving.
He ran back and found the vehicle being driven off towards Mupedzanhamo Market.
Mubvumbi raised an alarm and with the help of members of the public, pursued the car on foot. After travelling for about 300 metres, the vehicle reached a depression where the engine stalled, and the suspect was apprehended.
In a separate incident, Shumbanhete Chimbodza (37) of Dzivaresekwa parked his Nissan Caravan at the Dzivaresekwa 4 shops car park.
He locked the vehicle and went to his residence. Police said he returned at around 3:40am the following day to collect a parcel, drove into his yard and parked at the main gate, leaving the keys in the ignition while he went inside.
Moments later, Chimbodza heard his car being driven off at high speed.
He rushed outside and saw the vehicle heading towards Bulawayo Road, being driven by an unidentified person.
Meanwhile, in Chitungwiza, Munyaradzi Chiminya (28) of Unit L, Seke, parked his Honda Fit opposite Padare Sports Bar at Chikwanha Business Centre.
He locked the vehicle and went into the bar. After about an hour, a reveller approached him, allegedly claiming he was blocking other motorists. Chiminya went out to check, but discovered that his car had disappeared.
Police said when he checked his pockets, he also realised that the car keys were missing.
Insp Chakanza said the incidents show that some motorists continue to neglect basic security measures, particularly leaving keys in the ignition.
“Motorists are urged to properly secure their vehicles and avoid leaving car keys in the ignition. Some of these cases show that we have motorists who are not considering the security of their vehicles,” he said.
He also advised that car dealers and buyers should clear vehicle transactions through the police Vehicle Theft Squad before exchanging money.
