By Staff Reporter
A 38-year-old woman from Mucheke D in Masvingo experienced a harrowing incident when a car thief stole her vehicle with her five-year-old child inside yesterday (April 9).
The suspect, who is still at large, allegedly dropped the child off at Runyararo Primary School, a few kilometers from the scene before disappearing with the vehicle.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the police were investigating the matter.
“We received a report where a woman lost her car and he child and the child was later dumped along the way and the vehicle was later found dumped and the suspect is still on the run,” said Dhehwa
The incident occurred after the woman had collected her car from Yeukai Shopping Centre Car Park, where it is usually parked overnight as she wanted to go and collect her other child from school.
She parked the vehicle in front of her gate and briefly went inside to collect her handbag, leaving the car keys in the ignition. Her child, who was holding a Samsung Galaxy A54 phone, remained inside the car.
Upon returning, the woman found that her vehicle, along with her child, was missing. A report was filed at Chikato Police Station, and an investigation ensued.
Fortunately, the child recognized the location where the suspect had dropped off, Runyararo Primary School, and managed to find a way back home.
The stolen vehicle was later found dumped near San Siro, along a road leading to the Provincial Heroes Acre, after being involved in an accident. The total value of stolen property was estimated at US$4,510 and property worth US$4,140 was recovered.
