Soldier loses car to thieves after leaving key in ignition
By Auther Chimbgwa
A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldier lost his vehicle to an unidentified thief after he briefly disembarked along the way to find some change for a hitchhiker whom he had offered a lift along with seven others from the Harare city centre.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that Sergeant Starlon Mutomera, who is stationed at ZNA Msasa Logistics Garrison, met the misfortune.
The incident happened at Tafara Shops, Mabvuku, Harare on 3 July at around 6pm.
Mutomera had picked eight passengers at Corner Angwa Street and Robert Mugabe way in the Harare city centre enroute to Mabvuku.
“He was driving a Toyota Sienta Silver in colour registration ADF 9945,” Chakanza said.
“Six passengers disembarked along the way at Msasa Bus Stop. One of the two passengers who remained in the vehicle paid using US$10 and he was not given his US$9 change since the complainant did not have the change.
“Upon arrival at Tafara shops, the two passengers disembarked from the vehicle. The driver and one of the passengers went to look for change across the road leaving his motor vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition.
“The other passenger walked away from the vehicle towards the eastern direction. After giving one of the passengers his change, the complainant came back and discovered that his vehicle had been stolen.
“He asked some nearby vendors, and they indicated that they did not see the person who had stolen the vehicle. A report was made at ZRP Mabvuku,” said the police spokesperson.
The total value of the car stolen is US$7,000.
