Harare – A 20-year-old man has been jailed after stealing a bag containing US$10,000 in cash and a loaded Makarov pistol from a client’s vehicle at a car wash in Mabelreign.
Albert Chimukuyu was convicted of theft by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for the incident which occurred on 21 March 2025.
According to court proceedings, the complainant had left his Mercedes Benz at the car wash and handed it over to Chimukuyu for cleaning. Inside the vehicle was a bag containing the cash and a firearm loaded with nine live rounds. However, instead of washing the vehicle Chimukuyu took the bag and fled the scene.
Acting on a tip-off detectives managed to locate and arrest Chimukuyu at Pamuzinda Lodge in Claudina. Upon his arrest police recovered US$1,850 from his trousers pocket. A follow up search led to the recovery of the pistol and the stolen bag. Of the total US$11,600 stolen only US$3,450 was recovered.
Chimukuyu was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment with five months conditionally suspended leaving him to serve an effective eight-month term.
Authorities have urged members of the public to exercise caution when leaving valuables in their vehicles, even when dealing with service providers.
“The public should avoid leaving large sums of money and firearms unattended in vehicles, even when dealing with trusted service providers,” a police spokesperson warned.
