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Crime Reporter

AN 18-year-old Gweru serial car thief who was in the habit of using duplicate car keys to steal vehicles and commuter omnibuses in and around Gweru has been jailed an effective 35 years.

Amos Chivende was convicted and sentenced for five cases of theft of motor vehicles and two counts of theft from motor vehicles.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Portia Chinho confirmed in a statement.

“During the period extending from 8 to 13 November 2021, the accused person had been targeting vehicles and commuter omnibuses parked outside yards around Mkoba suburbs, Gweru. He would use duplicate keys to open car doors, start the engines and steal the vehicles.

“On 8 November 2021 at around 0025 hours, the accused person proceeded to one of the complainant’s house, used a duplicate key to open a parked Toyota Hiace and drove away. He later on dumped the vehicle after it developed a mechanical fault,” she said.

Using the same method of operation, Chivende also stole another Toyota Hiace on November 9, 2021.

In another case, Chivende stole property from another complainant’s parked Honda Fit after using duplicate keys to unlock it.

“On 13 November 2021 at around 0300 hours, accused person stole a Honda Odyssey and drove away. An alert resident spotted the stolen vehicle between Mkoba 21 and Woodlands, Gweru and alerted the police leading to the arrest of the accused person and the subsequent recovery of the stolen vehicle.

“Upon search, the accused person was found in possession of various duplicate keys. Further interviews led to the recovery of another stolen motor vehicle and various property,” Detective Insp Chinho said.

Meanwhile, police in Highlands, Harare have arrested Palace Tinashe Gwinhi (30), Ronald Tafadzwa Mambo (36) and Andrew Joel Kambanje (47) all of Epworth, for committing five cases of armed robbery.

During the period extending from November 12, 2021 to November 14, the trio, together with their accomplice Tazvi Alias Gweja who is still at large, wreaked havoc in Ruwa, robbing pedestrians of their valuables.

Detectives got a tip off from members of the public leading to the arrest of the suspects.

They appeared at Harare Magistrates Court where they were remanded in custody.

Police are however appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect only known as Tazvi Alias Gweja.

Anyone with information can contact CID Highlands on 0242 498112/ 495382 or the National Complaints Desk on [0242] 703631, Whatsapp number 0712 800 197 or any nearest police station.