Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – Police are investigating an armed robbery in which a taxi driver was stabbed, robbed and had his vehicle stolen by four unidentified suspects in Masvingo.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident.
“We are investigating a case of armed robbery in which a taxi driver was attacked and his vehicle stolen. We appeal to anyone with information that may assist in the recovery of the stolen vehicle or lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station,” said Inspector Dhewa.
The complainant is Simbarashe Musinawake (46) of Mucheke D, Masvingo.
Dhewa told The Midweek Watch that on July 16 at around 1:30am, Musinawake had parked his Honda Fit taxi at San Siro Sports Bar in Hillside when he was hired by an unidentified passenger to Mucheke Rank.
Upon arrival at the rank, two men approached him requesting transport to Mandava Lodge. When they reached the lodge, they found two other men standing outside the gate.
One of the passengers disembarked and approached the two men while the other remained inside the vehicle. The passenger who remained in the car allegedly produced an unidentified pistol and ordered Musinawake out of the vehicle before leading him towards the other suspects.
The four men searched him, stole US$50 worth airtime, before one of them stabbed him once on the back with a knife. They allegedly attempted to force him back into the vehicle, but he resisted.
The suspects drove away in his Honda Fit, registration number AEG 7733, leaving him injured at the scene.
Musinawake crawled towards the gate of Mandava Lodge where he called for help. A security guard responded and rushed him to Beacon 24-Hour Medical Centre, where he is admitted.
The stolen vehicle and airtime are collectively valued at US$3 300 and nothing has been recovered.
