daniel chigunwe
Arron Nyamayaro
A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe National Army pursued thieves who had broken into his parked car and recovered the US$7 000 which they had stolen.
The incident happened in Westlea.
Thabo Nobert Sibhula, 34, of Josiah Tongogara Barracks, pursued Kudakwashe Ernest Mugwazi, 34, who had stolen US$7000 from his parked vehicle at Westlea Shopping Centre, at around 6pm.
Thabo ran towards a getaway car, which was driven by Theodore Sinongo, 39.
Thabo was helped by the public and they managed to block the thieves from leaving the crime scene.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case.
“Police arrested a man and a woman for theft from a car in Westlea,” said Insp Chakanza.
“The complainant parked his motor vehicle at Westlea Shops intending to buy a few things whilst on his way home.
“He had in his possession US$7 000, which was in the glove compartment.
“He secured his car by closing the windows and locking the doors as he went into the shop.
“After some few minutes, the complainant returned and while on his way back, he observed that one of the accused had employed unknown means to open the car doors and gain entry into his car.
“The complainant dashed towards the car and when the accused person noticed him coming, he bolted out and took to his heels, heading towards a purple Toyota Vanguard (AFV 4847) which was parked nearby with three occupants inside with the engine running.”
Insp Chakanza added:
“The driver tried to drive off but the complainant, who was in hot pursuit, arrived at the car and put his upper torso inside at the same time trying to shift the gear lever into park.
“He was struck by a metal object on his fingers.
“The complainant managed to turn the steering wheel and the vehicle got into a drain.
“Two men, who were occupying the front passenger seat and the rear left passenger seat, bolted out of the car and took to their heels, fleeing from the scene.
“The stolen money stashed in one of the accused’s boxer shorts was recovered.
“A metal tool and an electric gate remote were also recovered.
“A physical inspection was done on the motor vehicle and it was observed that the number plate fixed on the motor vehicle was different from the one inscribed on the vehicle licence disc displayed on the windshield.
“The insurance disc bore registration number AFN 9064.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter