Chiredzi – An 18-year-old homeless youth has been apprehended in Chiredzi, in Masvingo province, after allegedly stealing a kombi (minibus) valued at US$9,000. The vehicle was parked at a local garage when the incident occurred, according to police reports.
The suspect has been identified as Trevor Mukoki, an individual with no fixed address, according to Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa.
The incident unfolded on March 28th at approximately 8 PM at Lyonaise Garage in Chiredzi. Insp Dhewa explained the circumstances surrounding the theft, stating: “We have a young man who was arrested on the 28th of March this year at Lyonaise Garage in Chiredzi at around 2000 hours (8 PM). He is a friend of the security guard who was guarding the premises. It is alleged that the guard left this boy at the garage, and he then found the keys to a kombi that was parked in the garage, which he took and drove away.”
Upon returning to his post, the security guard discovered that Mukoki, whom he had left at the garage, was missing. A subsequent check of the vehicles under his watch revealed that one of the kombis, left by its owner for safekeeping, was also gone.
“The guard then went to report the matter to the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) Chiredzi,” Insp Dhewa confirmed.
Acting swiftly on the report, the police launched an investigation. Later that same day, they received a crucial tip-off that Mukoki had been spotted driving the stolen kombi along the Mkwasine-Maware road in Chiredzi.
Insp Dhewa detailed the arrest, saying: “On the same day, the police received a tip-off that Trevor Mukoki had been seen driving the kombi on the Mkwasine-Maware road in Chiredzi. The police pursued him and eventually arrested him at Sabhuku Chiware’s homestead in Chief Tshovani’s area in Chiredzi, where he was found with the kombi at the homestead.”
The recovery of the kombi and the arrest of Mukoki were hailed by the ZRP, who commended the public for their assistance in the matter.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) commends the public for providing valuable information that led to the arrest of this young man, as well as many other criminals for various offences,” Insp Dhewa stated.
The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to remind security personnel of their responsibilities and urged them to exercise caution. “We also urge people who work as security guards to not leave the places they are guarding with other people present, and if they encounter a problem, they should inform the senior staff of the companies or places they are guarding,” he advised.
