Houghton Park Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing US$100,000 Ethanol Truck in Harare

HARARE – A 24-year-old man from Houghton Park has been arrested after allegedly stealing a truck carrying 42,000 litres of ethanol in Waterfalls, Harare. The suspect, Tawanda Timu Zingwanda, was apprehended on Friday after allegedly driving away with a Scania 440-horsepower truck valued at approximately US$100,000, prompting a police pursuit that ended with his arrest.

According to police, the truck belonged to Peasant Investments and was being driven by Simon Samatura, 52, when the incident occurred along 6th Avenue in the Parktown–Waterfalls area. Samatura was reportedly transporting a trailer loaded with 42,000 litres of ethanol when the vehicle developed a mechanical fault. The truck, registration AGB 1235, with trailer registration AFQ 8501, was parked by the roadside while the driver went a short distance away to fetch water to cool the overheating engine.

Police said the engine had been left running. On returning to the vehicle, Samatura discovered that it had disappeared. After making inquiries with attendants at a nearby fuel service station, he was informed that an unknown man had driven the truck along Fraiser Road, heading east. With the assistance of a police officer who was on patrol in the area, Samatura pursued the stolen vehicle, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the truck before it could be taken further. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said investigations were continuing and that the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

"Police arrested a Houghton Park man for car theft in Waterfalls. The fuel truck worth US$100,000 was recovered, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon," Chakanza said.

He urged motorists, particularly operators of commercial vehicles transporting valuable cargo, to avoid leaving vehicles unattended while the engine is running. Police say such incidents create opportunities for opportunistic criminals and can expose motorists to significant financial losses. The motive behind the alleged theft has not yet been disclosed, and detectives are continuing with investigations.

Harare ethanol truck theft