Man accused of faking a robbery to steal car

A Beitbridge man has been arrested after he staged a robbery of a car he hired to take him to his ‘lobola ceremony’. The car dealership he used shared their statement about what happened.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, H-Metro reported an alleged robbery involving Douglas Chinoona. The report claimed that Chinoona was robbed of a Toyota Hilux and $2,400, which she allegedly intended to pay lobola (bride price). However, further investigation reveals a more complex story behind this incident.

Vehicle rental details and initial report

Good 2 Go Car Rental shared that they rented Chinoona’s Toyota Hilux on Sunday, October 27, 2024. The next day, Chinoona contacted the rental car company, informing them that the vehicle had been stolen from a lodge in Mabelreign. He reported the alleged robbery to the Mabelreign police station, claiming that both the car and $2,400 meant for lobola were taken.

The Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) launched an investigation following the report. Their findings suggested a made-up story rather than a genuine robbery. According to VTS investigators, Chinoona allegedly conspired with an accomplice to smuggle the Toyota Hilux to Lusaka, Zambia, where he planned to sell the vehicle. READ ALSO: Google adds Shona and 14 new African languages to Voice Search, Gboard and Translate

Man fakes robbery — Man Arrested For Faking A Robbery To Steal Car From Rental Company-Image SOurce@X

This revelation significantly changed the direction of the investigation, revealing Chinoona’s deception, which he apparently tried to use as a cover story for Good 2 Go Car Rental and the police.

Contrary to his claims, Chinoona did not own the $2,400 for lobola, nor did he have any real intention to use the funds for that purpose. The funds were actually part of an elaborate scheme to mislead both the car rental company and the police. This tactic, according to authorities, was designed to divert attention from his real intention: stealing and then selling the vehicle across the border. READ ALSO: Kuwadzana 7 Turn-Off Accident Kombi driver charged with culpable homicide

Legal Actions and Consequences

Following these findings, Douglas Chinoona was arrested and is currently in police custody. He faces multiple charges, including vehicle theft and providing false information to law enforcement.