Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A BULAWAYO businesswoman was left counting her losses after a thief allegedly opened her unlocked vehicle in the city centre and stole a handbag containing US$3 000 and R30 000.
The incident occurred on July 18 at around midday.
The 26-year-old woman from Thorngrove had parked her Toyota Hiace at a parking area in the Central Business District while offloading goods for her shop.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the woman had left her vehicle unattended for a short period while she was moving her goods.
“On July 18, 2026 at around 12pm, the complainant, a female adult aged 26 years from Thorngrove, Bulawayo, parked her motor vehicle, a Toyota Hiace, at a parking space in the CBD while she was offloading her goods into her shop,” said Insp Msebele.
She said the woman went to the back of the vehicle to remove items, leaving the vehicle unlocked although the windows were closed.
“The complainant placed a grey handbag on the front passenger seat containing cash amounting to US$3 000 and R30 000. After offloading, she went inside the car and discovered that the handbag was missing,” she said.
The unknown suspect allegedly opened the unlocked passenger door, took the handbag and disappeared from the scene.
The total value stolen is US$3 000 and R30 000, and nothing has been recovered.
Insp Msebele urged motorists to avoid leaving valuables visible inside vehicles and to always ensure their vehicles are properly secured, even when stepping away for a short period.
She encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity that may assist police in preventing thefts and identifying offenders.
