Jeremiah Mudonha Suburban Correspondent
A Milton Park man was last week left counting his losses after some men pretending to be genuine buyers robbed him of his unregistered recently imported Toyota Hilux double cab truck.
Harare Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Julius Chakanza confirmed the incident and urged car owners and sellers to watch out for criminals who come pretending to be genuine buyers yet seeking opportunities to dupe or rob them of their hard-earned property.
Mr Brian Chitumbira had advertised his car on social media hoping to attract buyers, but ended up falling victim to criminals.
“Brian Chitumbira (28) said he placed an advert last week Friday of the motor vehicle on his Facebook page.
“He was consequently contacted by someone using an Econet number 0787 042 732 enquiring about the car and expressing interest in buying it.
“The person called him again the following day asking for his residential address and directions to his home, which he gave him.
“In no time, two men who later turned out to be robbers came for the anticipated purchase deal. And as negotiations ensued, Chitumbira and the two men got into the vehicle for a test-drive, with one of the men behind the steering wheel. But hardly a few miles away, the man driving suddenly stopped the vehicle as his accomplice grabbed Chitumbira by the neck and pushed him out. He was left lying helplessly on the ground as the robbers sped off with his vehicle,” said Insp Chakanza.
He appealed for information and public support in arresting the culprits and recovering the stolen Toyota Hilux double cab, silver in colour, with chassis number AHTFR29G90700154.
Insp Chakanza urged members of the public with information on the stolen vehicle to contact the Zimbabwe Republic Police Milton Park or the nearest police station.
Mr Chitumbira also took to social media to appeal for help in recovering his car.
“My car was hijacked yesterday (Saturday January 7, 2023 along Kirkman Road (now called Solomon Mujuru Drive) please anyone with information leading to the recovery of the car call 0718141934, or report to the police,” he said in a post on Facebook.
The advert which led the robbers to Mr Chitumbira read: “Toyota Hilux 2006, Unregistered, Duty fully paid, Price US$13 000, 4×4 Manual Ex UK*brakes pipes broken * Car was in a bonded warehouse, call or app 0718141934.”