The Zimbabwe Republic Police has expressed concern over an
increase in carjacking and urges the public to be wary of criminals targeting
vehicles countrywide.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said it is
investigating a number of cases where motorists have lost their vehicles to
criminals in separate incidents.
They said motorists should exercise due diligence and
ensure that their vehicles were well secured.
The motorists should also avoid leaving keys in the
ignition port and leaving strangers in their cars.
In a statement, CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Portia
Chinho advised motorists to install alarm systems, tracking devices and
anti-hijack systems on their vehicles. She said in one of the cases which
occurred in Gweru, a complainant was driving a Toyota Wish plying the
Gweru-Bulawayo route when he was approached by four robbers who hired him to
Southdowns, Gweru.
“On their way, one of the criminals drew an Okapi knife,
ordered the complainant to stop and obey their orders,” she said. “The quartet
then robbed the complainant of $1 300 cash and two cellphones. The criminals
proceeded to tie the complainant, dumped him and drove off.”
In Harare, another complainant lost his car, a Toyota
Pearl, after parking it along Patrenda Road in Budiriro 2.
He had left the vehicle idling and entered into a friend’s
house.
Another vehicle, a Honda Fit, was stolen after the owner
parked it at his house in Eastlea, Harare.
Detective Insp Chinho said a taxi driver lost his Honda Fit
to a lone robber who had hired him in Marondera. The driver had left the
vehicle idling while relieving himself.
She said another Honda Fit was stolen during the night at a
house in Highlands, Harare.
In Bulawayo, a man lost his Toyota Hiace after parking it
at a service a station and left the vehicle unlocked before he went into a bar.
He returned after some minutes and discovered the vehicle
stolen.
In the same city, another man lost a Mitsubishi L200 at his
house. The vehicle was stolen during the night. Police are still investigating
the cases.
“Police would like to urge motorists to exercise due
diligence and ensure their vehicles are well secured,” said Det Insp Chinho.
“They should avoid leaving keys in ignition port and leaving strangers in the
car.
“They are encouraged to install alarm systems, tracking
devices and anti-hijack systems as these act as preventive measures as well as
assist in tracking down the stolen motor vehicles.”
Det Insp Chinho said anyone with information that might
assist with investigations can contact CID Vehicle Theft Squad Harare on (0242)
660408, the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, or any nearest police station.
Herald
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