BULAWAYO – A night of sweet lula lula turned sour for a Khumalo suburb man after his date allegedly made off with his Toyota Tundra and a stash of cash, before returning for a second attempt at grand theft auto.
Nicole Dube, a 22-year-old from New Parklands, has been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on July 15th, 2025. Police allege that Dube stole a Toyota Tundra valued at US$70,000 and US$1,000 in cash from her 37-year-old companion.
According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the complainant met Dube in Parklands at around 4PM on Tuesday. He “proposed love to her,” and the pair agreed to spend the night together at his home. They enjoyed supper and beer before retiring to bed at approximately 10PM.
It is alleged that while the complainant was asleep, Dube pilfered his wallet containing US$1,000 and the keys to his Toyota Tundra. She then made her escape, driving off in the vehicle. The man awoke around midnight to find Dube and his Tundra missing. He also discovered that his durawall had been damaged.
Shortly after, the complainant received an anonymous phone call informing him that his vehicle had crashed into a slab and was stuck near a tower light close to Chicken Inn Tredgold. He rushed to the scene and found the damaged Tundra, but Dube was nowhere to be found.
Undeterred, Dube allegedly returned to the complainant’s residence in a taxi at around 2AM. Spotting a BMW in the yard, she attempted to steal it. However, her efforts were thwarted by the gardener, who heard the engine start and raised the alarm.
The complainant confronted Dube in the yard and apprehended her before escorting her to Donnington Police Station.
Inspector Msebele confirmed the arrest and detailed the value of the stolen property. “The total value stolen was US$71 000, and almost all of it has been recovered,” she stated.
She also issued a warning to the public: “Members of the public should be cautious about whom they invite into their homes. Some people have hidden agendas that can prove very costly”.
Dube is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of motor vehicle theft and theft of cash.
This incident follows a series of similar cases in Harare, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
According to police reports, Maruta was awakened at around 2AM by an alarm. Hunda investigated and said it was a neighbour’s alarm. The following morning, Maruta discovered that the bag containing the cash and his firearm was missing.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and stated that police are investigating an unlawful entry and theft case. He noted that the complainant’s rear windscreen was damaged and that a total of US$184,900 and a firearm were missing.
In another incident, Onismus Sosa (44), a company director from Tynwald North, lost his firearm, US$12,000 in cash, and other valuables after his house was ransacked while he attended a church service in Warren Park. Thieves damaged the sliding gate lock and broke the dining room window to gain entry.
They stole two television sets, a firearm, US$12,000 in cash, four formal suits, three laptops, a Samsung tablet, and two lithium batteries. Inspector Chakanza confirmed that police are investigating the unlawful entry and theft case.
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