TWO men suspected to be behind a spate of thefts from motor
vehicles in Bulawayo were arrested after their getaway car collided with a
haulage truck during a high speed chase through the city centre on Tuesday.
Thabani Ndlovu (30) and Ronald Chihome (23) who are
neighbours in Pumula North suburb have police officers to thank for restraining
an angry mob that insisted “they be taught a lesson” before being surrendered
to Bulawayo Central Police Station.
Witnesses said the suspects smashed the window of car that
was parked along Fife Street between 4th and 5th avenues and stole cigarettes.
“The owner of the vehicle saw them and raised alarm. They
threw their loot into a Honda Fit vehicle and sped off with some motorists in
pursuit, while some residents followed on foot,” said one of the witnesses.
The witness said the Honda Fit careened into a haulage
truck along 5th Avenue.
“The Honda Fit was moderately damaged and motorists blocked
the driver as he tried to reverse and speed away. The mob caught up with the
thieves as they scrambled out of the car. They rained blows on the thieves who
fled into a nearby supermarket,” said the witness.
Vendors told The Chronicle that the mob would not relent
and went into the supermarket to drag the suspects out.
They said police officers who were on patrol probably
stopped the angry crowd from beating the duo to death and whisked them to
Bulawayo Central Police Station.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube
yesterday confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that we are dealing with a case of theft
from motor vehicle where suspects were apprehended and are assisting police
with investigations,” he said.
Insp Ncube said the suspects allegedly stole 120 boxes of
various cigarette brands worth $440.
“Their vehicle was towed to Bulawayo Central Traffic at
Drill Hall since it was involved in an accident. However, it could be impounded
for being a getaway car from a crime scene,” said Inspector Ncube.
Inspector Ncube said the Honda Fit continued to be a
nuisance as it was being used in most criminal activities in the city.
“This also confirms Honda Fit nuisance in the city centre.
However this has heightened our activities and deployments in the city centre
as a lot of crime is occurring,” he said.
He commended police officers for their commitment and
visibility in the city which he said helped to react to criminal activities
faster.
“We would like to commend our police officers on patrol
duty who reacted swiftly when this crime occurred. We also want to appreciate
that the complainant had secured his motor vehicle by locking all doors as we
advise in our campaigns. Police officers are commended for visibility. This
ensures that we are able to serve the public effectively. Clients have called
for more police visibility and we are serving. We hope to clear other cases
with the arrest of these two men on Tuesday,” said Insp Ncube. Chronicle
0 comments:
Post a Comment