A 23-YEAR-OLD man from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly stealing a handbag containing cash from a parked vehicle in the city centre.
The incident occurred on 26 August 2022 and at around 4pm at corner Robert Mugabe Way and 10th Avenue.
The suspect, Panashe Chabikwa, was seen by the victim approaching his parked vehicle and opening the window on the passenger’s seat before snatching his bag containing US$200 and R700.
On the day in question the victim was in the company of his friend from Pumula suburb and when the incident occurred his friend had gone to a nearby food outlet.
The victim tried to apprehend the suspect but he ran away with the handbag and jumped into a black Honda Fit parked by the side and sped off from the scene.
The victim chased the suspect using his car but to no avail.
The victim later tracked the suspect and following a tip off he managed to locate him at his house in Entumbane suburb.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Chabikwa’s arrest.
The getaway car was taken from him by the police and is now kept at Bulawayo Central Police Station and the money was not recovered.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and urged members of the public not to leave their bags or any items in cars when they disembark.
“People should not leave bags or any items on the front seat of their cars when they disembark, because we have noticed that these criminals use Honda Fit vehicles and other vehicles to snatch bags from parked vehicles and speed off,” said Insp Ncube.
— BMetro
