143 top-of-the-range stolen cars recovered

Freeman Razemba, Senior Zimpapers ReporterAUTHORITIES have impounded 143 top-of-the-range stolen vehicles since 2018, that were smuggled into the country using fake documents.Among the seized vehicles are luxury models such as Toyota Land Cruisers, BMWs, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Mercs, Range Rovers and Audi SUVs Police investigations revealed that some of the cars had their engine and chassis numbers tampered with to obtain fraudulent local registration.So far, 15 vehicles have been identified by their rightful owners and repatriated to neighboring countries, while others were intercepted while being smuggled further into the region.In an interview, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the developments.“So far, we still have 128 top-of-the-range cars that were recovered in Zimbabwe and are believed to have been stolen from different neighbouring countries Some were destined for Zimbabwe, while others were in transit to other neighbouring countries when they were recovered,” she said.She said that through the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), they were liaising with the countries concerned so that the vehicles would be taken to their owners.In a recent case, on July 25, Marshall Munyuru, a 38-year-old man from Dangamvura Area 16 in Mutare, was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle after police discovered three stolen vehicles in his possession.Munyuru, son of a Bindura-based car dealer, Junior Makochera, was already wanted in connection with a 2023 fraud case Detectives found keys to a Toyota Fortuner and a Ford Ranger at his residence, while a grey Mercedes-Benz was also linked to him.His mother claimed ownership of the vehicles but failed to produce valid import documents

Checks with the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and Interpol confirmed all three were stolen from South Africa between 2023 and 2024 Authorities say Zimbabwe has become a transit hub for stolen vehicles, with criminal syndicates smuggling cars from South Africa across the Limpopo River before shipping them to Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania Some vehicles remain in Zimbabwe’s local market.In response, Interpol launched “Operation Take Back” (2022), a global initiative to recover stolen vehicles.Zimbabwean police participated, leading to the impounding of 200 luxury cars linked to regional theft rings Interpol warns that vehicle crime fuels organised crime and even terrorism, with stolen cars often used in drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other illicit activities.In 2020, nearly 250 000 vehicles were reported stolen worldwide.Between 2010-2013, over 7 million cars were stolen globally, many through carjackings or thefts from parking lots.Zimbabwean police continue working with Interpol and regional agencies to track down more stolen vehicles.Recent operations near the Limpopo River led to the recovery of a Toyota Hilux, Prado and Ford Ranger, abandoned by fleeing smugglers, who crossed into Zimbabwe.Interpol is the world’s largest international police organisation, with 190 members

Its role is to enable police around the world to work together and be able to receive, consolidate and distribute information for member forces.All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/7 This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.Interpol’s unique system of notices is used to alert member countries of fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons and weapons threats.As investigations deepen, authorities urge the public to verify vehicle documents before purchase, warning that buyers of stolen cars risk losing both the vehicle and their money.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald