Harare – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has voiced grave concerns over a dramatic surge in vehicle thefts across the nation. In a single day, at least 11 vehicles were reported stolen, prompting law enforcement to issue an urgent appeal to motorists to heighten their vigilance and security measures.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP spokesperson, released a statement on Monday highlighting the alarming trend. He noted that vehicle thefts are occurring in various locations, including residential areas, overnight parking spots, and even in situations where motorists offer lifts to strangers.
The situation reached a critical point on 11 June 2025, when police recorded a significant spike in thefts. Five separate incidents in Harare and Mashonaland West alone resulted in the theft of six vehicles.
One particularly brazen incident occurred in Avonlea, Harare. Thieves broke into a company premises and made off with two vehicles – a Toyota Hilux and a Mazda BT50. The criminals also pilfered generators, cement, refrigerators, solar batteries, money-counting machines, and a digital camera. Fortunately, the Toyota Hilux was later recovered, abandoned in Majuru Village, Kutama.
That same day, in Mutorashanga, a Honda Fit was stolen after the owner carelessly left it parked behind a shop with the keys still inside. The vehicle was discovered missing by midnight.
In Karoi, a 29-year-old man fell victim to theft after offering a man identified as Moses Kachasu a place to sleep in his Toyota Fun Cargo. Despite the owner keeping the keys in his room, the suspect managed to start the car and drive off. Commissioner Nyathi explained that the suspect “apparently used unknown means to start and drive the vehicle away.”
Meanwhile, in Ruwa’s Fairview Park, a 45-year-old man experienced a double violation. After parking and locking his Nissan Caravan NV350, burglars broke into his house, stole household items and the car keys, and then drove away with the vehicle.
Adding to the list, another Honda Fit was stolen in central Harare. The owner had left the car unlocked at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Samora Machel Avenue while attending to other business.
Commissioner Nyathi stressed the importance of motorists taking responsibility for securing their vehicles. He urged them to avoid leaving keys in unattended vehicles and to ensure their vehicles are properly secured at all times, whether at home or in public parking areas.
“It is the responsibility of drivers and vehicle owners to assist in the maintenance of law and order, especially in securing vehicles at home, parking areas in Central Business District and other places,” said Nyathi.
The situation in Bulawayo is equally concerning, with police reporting a rise in violent vehicle robberies.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele stated: “Police in Bulawayo have since witnessed an emerging trend of robbery of motor vehicles.”
In one harrowing incident on June 11, a 64-year-old woman from Malindela was ambushed in Pumula South as she returned to her parked silver Toyota Fortuner (AGH 2067) after checking on renovations.
“As she was trying to unlock the vehicle, she was approached by an unknown accused person who pointed a black pistol at her, demanding the car keys and threatening to shoot her if she did not comply,” reads the statement.
Fearing for her life, the woman surrendered her car keys and handbag. The robbers fled with the Fortuner, US$43, a pack of pain tablets worth US$50, and a bucket of paint valued at US$138. The total loss is estimated at US$55,000, and nothing has been recovered.
Just days later, on June 16, a 37-year-old man and his wife from Parklands were targeted near Kingsdale shops. They had pulled over “in a dark area for a short break” when five armed men emerged from behind their vehicle.
“Five unknown accused persons emerged from behind the vehicle armed with a pistol and okapi knife,” the police reported.
The thugs seized control of the couple’s silver Toyota Fortuner GD6 (AFK 3226), forcing them out of the vehicle after taking groceries and two iPhone 13 Pro Max phones worth US$1,400. The total value of the stolen items was pegged at US$46,450. As with the previous incident, nothing has been recovered.
Inspector Msebele urged drivers to exercise extreme caution. “We urge all motorists to make sure that their vehicles have tracking devices and they should be vigilant when driving. If you suspect that you are being followed, drive straight to the nearest police station.”
She further advised motorists to choose well-lit areas near buildings and shops when stopping for a break.
Police are now appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the robbers involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The ZRP’s warning serves as a stark reminder to all vehicle owners in Zimbabwe to take proactive measures to protect their property and ensure their safety.
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