By Promise Dube
Police in Bulawayo have confirmed the arrest of a carjacker, Samuel Marufu, who stole a motor vehicle at Reigate in Umguza sometime in June 2023 and sold it for US$3 000.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube said Marufu (34) sold the car to someone in Mberengwa.
The stolen car was later recovered in Insiza.
Inspector Ncube said the complainant had left the vehicle idling while he went to brush his teeth in his house.
“On the fateful day in the morning, the complainant started the engine of his vehicle and left it running while he went back into the house to brush his teeth. He heard the sound of his vehicle (moving) and upon checking, saw an unidentified person driving off his vehicle into the Saucerstown area at high speed,” said the provincial police spokesperson in a statement.
The complainant tried to follow the carjacker using a wellwisher’s vehicle but could not find the vehicle which led to him reporting the incident to the police.
“No clues were available at the time of reporting,” said Inspector Abednico Ncube who said later, members of the public assisted with information concerning the whereabouts of the accused, which led to his arrest.
“Detectives from Vehicle Theft Squad activated their sources and engaged stakeholders and members of the public in a bid to identify the accused person who was not known by that time. It was then established through the work of the members of the public and a good relationship that Samuel Marufu was responsible for the theft of the motor vehicle.”
However, efforts to locate Marufu were elusive, added Ncube, who said the accused’s luck ran out on September 4, 2023, when police received information that he was seen drinking beer at corner Herbet Chitepo and Third Avenue in Bulawayo.
Police detectives proceeded to the spot and managed to arrest Marufu.
Upon being interviewed Marufu admitted having stolen the motor vehicle.
“This led to the recovery of the stolen motor vehicle at Insiza. The total value of the stolen motor vehicle is US $3 000 and was recovered,” said Inspector Ncube.
“Police would like to appreciate members of the public who helped with information that led to the arrest of the accused person. We also warn members of the public to desist from leaving the engine running with keys in the ignition port.”
