Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa, Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Manicaland have recovered a stolen motor vehicle that was being used as a mushikashika in Chimanimani, two weeks after it was reported stolen in Chipinge.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and said two suspects, including a member of the Zimbabwe National Army, were arrested in connection with the theft.
The vehicle, a sky-blue Honda Fit valued at US$5,000, was stolen on September 5 from outside the home of Ngonidzashe Mandeya, a driver employed by the complainant, Ratidzai Mlambo (42) of Gaza O, Chipinge.
“Mandeya parked the vehicle outside his residence in Gaza E, Chipinge, around 2100hours and locked it before retiring to bed.
“The following morning, he discovered that the vehicle was missing and alerted the owner.
“After a fruitless search, the matter was reported to ZRP Chipinge Urban,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
Police officers attended the scene but failed to find any leads, as the vehicle had been parked on a tarred road where no tyre tracks could be traced.
The case was then referred to CID Chipinge for further investigation.
“New developments unfolded on September 19, when police officers manning a roadblock at Charter turn-off in Chimanimani under Operation Thunder, received information that the stolen vehicle was travelling from Chimanimani Village.
“While waiting at the roadblock, the officers were informed that the driver of the stolen vehicle had evaded the roadblock by diverting onto a minor road.
“Police quickly moved to intercept the vehicle at the road’s exit point and ambushed the suspect,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
The driver, identified as Louis Tsangamidzi (23) of Gaza E, Chipinge, was arrested on the spot.
During questioning, Tsangamidzi implicated his suspected accomplice, Donald Dhliwayo (23) of Gaza E, Chipinge, a private in the ZNA stationed at Mechanised Battalion, Lomagundi Road in Harare.
“Police tracked Dhliwayo to Chimanimani Village, where he was arrested. Both suspects are now in custody and assisting with investigations.
“The recovered vehicle has since been taken to CID Chipinge for further management,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
He added that the successful recovery was the result of swift police action and cooperation from members of the public, who supplied valuable information.
He further issued a strong warning to criminals who target vehicles for theft.
“We want to warn all those involved in vehicle theft syndicates that police are on high alert. No matter how far you try to take a stolen vehicle or disguise its use, the law will eventually catch up with you.
“We urge motorists to be cautious about where they park their cars and to invest in security measures to reduce the risk of theft,” warned Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The recovered vehicle has since been handed back to its rightful owner, while investigations continue.
Mathew Masinge