Two vehicles stolen from patrons who were drinking KoSamuriwo

TWO patrons at a popular drinking spot in Old Luveve, Bulawayo, lost their vehicles to car thieves on Saturday in a suspected organised car theft syndicate targeting drinkers.

In a statement, Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said a 36-year-old man from Cowdray Park parked his silver Mazda CX5 (Registration number AFZ 2541) in front of a bottle store at Chigumira Shopping Centre before entering KoSamuriwo Pub and Grill for a drink.

“He drank beer until he became heavily intoxicated and could not recall what happened later. He only remembered waking up in a drainage trench in front of Matsika Bottle Store on February 16, 2025, at around 4 AM,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

The man discovered his vehicle and car keys missing. After a futile search in Luveve and Gwabalanda, he reported the theft to the police. CCTV footage from the pub showed an unknown man entering the vehicle, reversing it, and driving off towards Huggins Road. The stolen vehicle is valued at US$10,000, and nothing has been recovered.

In a separate incident the same night, a 21-year-old man and his 23-year-old friend parked their black Honda Fit (Registration number AEJ 6321) behind a sports bar at Chigumira Shops. They locked the doors but left the front passenger window open before entering KoSamuriwo Pub and Grill.

“They returned at around 3 AM to find the vehicle stolen, despite the complainant still having the car keys. The stolen vehicle is valued at US$3,000, and nothing has been recovered,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

She urged the public to report any information leading to the suspects’ arrest and advised business owners to employ security guards to safeguard patrons’ vehicles.

“We also advise the public to ensure all windows are closed and vehicles are properly locked before entering drinking spots,” she added.