Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
Tafirenyika’s white Honda Fit, which had been stolen from her father’s residence in Gwabalanda, was recovered after police arrested three suspects while they were driving the vehicle near Esiphazini in Esigodini.
According to an official ZRP statement by Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the vehicle was stolen on March 8, 2026, after it had been parked securely at the residence.
Police acted on critical intelligence on March 12 which led to the arrest of Elijah Ngwenya (33) of Cowdray Park, Mduduzi Ndlovu (19) of Sihlengeni Village in Esigodini, and Vincent Dube (32) of Lower Rangemore.
“The suspects were apprehended while driving Tafirenyika’s Honda Fit valued at US$3,500 near Esiphazini, Esigodini,” said Insp Msebele.
In an interview, Tafirenyika’s brother, Brian Moyo, expressed relief following the recovery of the vehicle.
“I feel relieved knowing the vehicle is safely recovered. The Vehicle Theft Squad reacted promptly to our plea,” he said.
He added that the suspects had disabled the brake lights and tampered with the ignition system in an apparent attempt to evade detection, although the vehicle was otherwise intact.
The case is now before the courts.
Meanwhile, police also recovered a separate stolen vehicle, a silver Mercedes-Benz valued at US$7 000, which had been stolen from a workshop in Pumula East on March 5.
The vehicle was recovered on March 11 in Nketa 6 after residents spotted it abandoned near a house. Police found it unlocked with the keys missing.
Inspector Msebele commended members of the public for assisting police with information that led to the recoveries.
“We appreciate citizens who provided actionable intelligence leading to these recoveries,” she said.
She also urged motorists to install tracking devices on their vehicles, noting that they significantly increase chances of recovery.
The ZRP says it remains committed to combating vehicle theft amid rising cases in Bulawayo.
