Woman arrested after stealing US$70k car after one-night stand

A 22-year-old woman from New Parklands, Bulawayo, is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly stealing a US$70,000 Toyota Tundra and US$1,000 in cash from a man she had just met, only to return hours later in an apparent attempt to steal another vehicle.

Nicole Dube is accused of using a romantic encounter to gain access to the 37-year-old man’s home in Khumalo on the night of July 15, according to Bulawayo police. Authorities say she vanished with the Toyota Tundra and cash shortly after the man fell asleep, then came back around 2 a.m. to try and steal his BMW.

Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that the pair met in Parklands, where the man offered Dube a lift. “The complainant picked up the accused person at Parklands and proposed love to her. The two agreed to spend a night together and they proceeded to the complainant’s place of residence where they drank beer, ate supper and later at around 10PM, retired to bed,” said Inspector Msebele.

While the man slept, Dube allegedly took his wallet, containing US$1,000, and the keys to both his Toyota Tundra and BMW. She reportedly drove off in the Tundra, which was later found crashed and abandoned near Chicken Inn, opposite Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo city centre.

The saga did not end there. According to police, Dube returned to the Khumalo property around 2 a.m., using a pirate taxi to get back. Her attempt to gain access to the BMW was thwarted by the man’s gardener, who had arrived early for work and noticed her at the vehicle.

“The gardener alerted the complainant and they confronted and apprehended her before escorting her to the police,” Inspector Msebele said.

Authorities recovered the keys to the BMW and part of the stolen money. The damaged Toyota Tundra has been impounded for forensic inspection.

Inspector Msebele used the case to caution members of the public. “We urge members of the public to be very careful with the people they associate with, for some will be having some hidden agenda that will end up costing them,” she said.

Dube is expected to appear in court soon. Charges are likely to include theft of a motor vehicle, theft of cash, and unlawful entry.