By Tatiana Mhararira
Luck ran out for a 32 year old Chiredzi man after he was recently arrested by the police for stealing a vehicle.
Fidelis Mapungwana was last week arrested for a number of cases including car theft and housing breaking and unlawful entries.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed Mapungwana’s arrest and said the police is appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects, Edmore Zibowa and Tavonga Nyakunatswa.
“I can confirm the arrest of Mapungwana for unlawful entry and theft in which he together with the other two suspects stole a car at Makondo Extension in Chiredzi.
“We are appealing to the public for information that could aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects. The Police also want to commend the public for sharing crime tip offs, which have been instrumental in detecting crimes, arresting perpetrators, and recovering stolen property,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Allegations are that on May 30, 2024 at Makondo extension, Mapungwana unlocked a Nissan Vannette lorry using an unknown object and pushed it about 10 meters from the open garage and then drove it to an unknown destination.
Police received information to the effect that Mapungwana, Zibowa and Nyakunatswa had stolen the vehicle and thrown the registration plates into the bush.
When arrested, Mapungwana lied to the police that his name was Feleciano Simango in an effort to evade arrest. However, the police managed to reveal his true identity and are now hunting for the two other accomplices Zibowa and Nyakunatswa.
Indications done by the police led to recovery of the stolen vehicle in the Mabeye Area in Chipinge, where he had attempted to smuggle it into Mozambique.
The value of the stolen vehicle was US$4 000, and it was fully recovered.
