By Edward Marange | Nehanda Sports |
HARARE – Zimbabwe swimming legend Kirsty Coventry has spoken of her horrifying experience after a group of about 5 men smashed the back window of the car she was travelling in on Saturday evening as they tried to steal her family’s luggage.
Coventry had just flown into Harare Saturday evening and was heading home seated at the back of the car with her sister while both their husbands were in front.
“My sister grabbed my 2yr old niece and 5yr old nephew and I threw myself into the back of the vehicle to try hold onto our bags. Whilst wrestling with one of the men over our suitcases, I cut myself on the shattered glass. Unfortunately, so did one of the thieves,” she said.
Coventry said “My fiancé and brother-in-law were able to jump out and chase after these guys managing to catch one of them. The others got away with 1 bag. It was late at night and very scary, but thankfully we are all okay.”
The swimmer said she was now taking antiretroviral medication.
“The ARVs may be unnecessary, but HIV is a serious problem in Africa and you can never be too careful. I understand how desperate these men must be to do this, but that does not make it right.
“So many people are struggling in their daily lives and instead of stealing from each other and creating terror for others, we should be working together to create jobs and helping each other,” she said.
