In a swift operation, authorities in Bulawayo have apprehended two suspects after they were found driving a stolen vehicle. The incident unfolded on Godlwayo Road in Pumula, where the ZRP Traffic West unit had set up a routine roadblock. Mthulisi Sithole, a 20-year-old resident of Northend suburb, and his accomplice Dion Tarambiwa, 20, hailing from Tshabalala, were taken into custody around 10 AM, marking a significant breakthrough in combating local vehicle theft.
Confirming the arrest, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube shed light on the events leading to the apprehension. “On the 14th of January 2024 at around 1000 hours, a team of police officers from ZRP Traffic West were at Godlwayo Road enforcing traffic laws. While at the roadblock, the team intercepted a silver Mercedes Benz which was not displaying vehicle registration plates and, being driven by Mthulisi Sithole who was in the company of Dion Tarambiwa,” said Insp Ncube.
He said police became suspicious of the two after Sithole who was driving the vehicle failed to produce a valid driver’s licence.
“The team checked the vehicle and discovered that it had an expired vehicle licence and insurance. The vehicle was then driven to the police station for further investigations. Upon arrival at the police station further checks were done with the stolen motor vehicle list, since the vehicle looked suspicious and it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen,” said Insp Ncube.
He said police then discovered that the vehicle was stolen on December 31 in Hopeville.
“The total value of the stolen motor vehicle is US$6 000 and all was recovered,” Insp Ncube said.
He warned members of the public not to engage in illegal activity, saying the long arm of the law will always catch up with them.
“There is no luck in crime. The arrest of the two accused persons and the recovery of the US$6 000 motor vehicle confirms the importance of traffic enforcement as a crime preventive measure. The victim of this crime has recovered her property due to diligence of our police officers who always have the community at heart,” Insp Ncube said.
