Thief allegedly steals police officer’s car parked at station

A man has allegedly carried out a daring theft right under the noses of law enforcement officers after stealing a police officer’s car from the parking lot of Bulawayo Central Police Station in Zimbabwe.

The shocking incident quickly unfolded into an intense investigation, an arrest, and an unexpected escape from police custody.

According to reports, the drama began on October 31, 2025, when Constable Mashora parked his Honda Fit in the station’s official parking bay, locked it, and proceeded to his duty post. Later that evening, the suspect reportedly approached the car, used an unknown device to unlock it, and sped off with the officer’s belongings including clothing and a satchel still inside.

When the officer returned after his shift, he was stunned to find the car missing. He promptly filed a report and rented another vehicle the following day to search for it. Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad soon traced the theft to 27-year-old Talent Mpofu of Entumbane. After his arrest, Mpofu led officers to a service station near Western Commonage Police Station, where the stolen car had been abandoned.

However, the case took another dramatic turn when Mpofu, while handcuffed, allegedly escaped from the Bulawayo Central Police Station courtyard. He fled to his home, where his wife and a neighbour reportedly helped him remove the cuffs. Police later recaptured him hiding under a bed.

Constable Mashora told the court that his recovered car had been fitted with fake number plates, and Mpofu was wearing his T-shirt and sandals when arrested. Mpofu appeared before a regional magistrate on November 7, 2025, and was remanded in custody. He told the court that financial difficulties had driven him to commit the act as investigations continue.