A prominent Bulawayo businessman, Mr Phathisani Nkomo, has been defrauded by a Harare car dealer who allegedly sold him a Ford Ranger worth US$43 000 which was stolen from South Africa.
Nkomo, the proprietor of Cosmopolitan Nightclub, Zarah Lounge, Cubana among other businesses, allegedly swapped his black Range Rover and then topped up US$11 500 to buy the stolen car.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident. He said the stolen car was recovered on Saturday and is being held at Drill Hall.
Insp Ncube said:
We have recovered a Ford Ranger 2017 series that was allegedly stolen from South Africa. CID received a tip off that a Bulawayo businessman, Phathisani Nkomo (47), of Kumalo suburb was in possession of a suspected stolen double cab white Ford Ranger with fake number plate AEZ 9960. The vehicle did not have a rear number plate. After police engaged him he revealed that he had bought the vehicle from a Harare businessman man who is now a suspect and has been arrested and is assisting cops with investigations.
Insp Ncube said that police have already contacted Interpol who confirmed that the Ford Ranger was stolen in South Africa. He urged those intending to buy vehicles to be very alert. He said:
We encourage those intending to buy cars locally to visit the Vehicle Theft Squad who can assist them in checking the real owners of cars they intend to buy.
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