A Zimbabwe National Army officer Thabo Nobert Sibhula heroically chased down thieves who had broken into his parked vehicle and managed to recover the stolen US$7,000.
The incident occurred in Westlea, where Sibhula, 34, stationed at Josiah Tongogara Barracks, noticed that Kudakwashe Ernest Mugwazi, also 34, had taken the cash from his car at Westlea Shopping Centre around 6 PM.
Reacting swiftly, Thabo pursued Mugwazi, who was attempting to flee towards a getaway vehicle driven by 39-year-old Theodore Sinongo. With the assistance of bystanders, he managed to intercept the thieves before they could escape.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest.
“The police apprehended a man and a woman in connection with a theft from a parked vehicle in Westlea,” said Insp. Chakanza.
According to the police report, the victim had parked his car at Westlea Shops while making a quick stop to buy some items on his way home. He secured the US$7,000 inside the glove compartment.
He made sure to close all the windows and lock the doors before leaving the vehicle. However, upon returning after a few minutes, he noticed that one of the suspects had gained entry into the car through unknown means.
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Realising what was happening, the victim rushed towards the vehicle. Spotting him approaching, the suspect quickly exited the car and made a run for a nearby purple Toyota Vanguard (registration AFV 4847), which had three occupants inside with its engine running.
Inspector Chakanza further elaborated:
“As the suspect attempted to flee, the complainant, in hot pursuit, reached the getaway car and managed to lean inside, trying to shift the gear lever into park mode. A metal object struck him on the fingers during the struggle.
“Despite this, he successfully turned the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to veer into a drain. Two of the occupants, seated in the front passenger seat and rear left seat, jumped out and fled the scene on foot.”
The authorities recovered the stolen cash from the suspect’s boxer shorts during a search. Authorities also confiscated a metal tool and an electric gate remote.
Further examination of the getaway vehicle revealed that the license plate attached to it did not match the registration number on the vehicle’s license disc displayed on the windscreen. The insurance disc carried registration number AFN 9064.
