TENDAI MUERERWA
Mutare-A 29-year-old taxi driver from Chikanga 2 was robbed of his vehicle and cellphone after being lured by two unknown men posing as clients at night recently.
The complainant, George Ndambu, who is employed by Comfort Taxis in Mutare, was driving a blue Honda Fit (registration number AHA 1133) in the central business district when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Ndambu was parked at Mudzviti Taxi Rank at around 9:30 PM on April 27, waiting for passengers. At approximately 10:00 PM, he was approached by two unidentified male adults who requested transport to Shamu Business Centre in Penhalonga. The pair claimed they had left their vehicle there after it ran out of fuel and agreed to pay US$40 upon arrival.
Ndambu drove the two men to the stated destination. Upon reaching Shamu Business Centre, the suspects told him their vehicle was located about 3km further. However, Ndambu indicated that his car did not have enough fuel to continue the journey. The suspects then offered him three litres of petrol.
During the process of refuelling, Ndambu stopped the vehicle and switched off the engine, leaving the keys on the ignition. While he was pouring fuel into the tank, one of the suspects suddenly grabbed his cellphone and pushed him aside. The other suspect immediately jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with the vehicle.
Ndambu later borrowed a phone from a local resident, Milka Maneswa (66) of Nyakurimwa Village under Chief Mutasa, and contacted his employer, Kundai Maindidze, who reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mutare Central.
Police responded swiftly and tracked the stolen vehicle using a tracking device linked to the owner’s mobile phone. The car was located at DC Mutasa Business Centre near Energy Park Service Station. Upon arrival, officers found one suspect seated in the vehicle, but he fled on foot after opening the driver’s door. Police fired warning shots, but the suspect escaped with the vehicle keys.
The vehicle was later recovered using spare keys. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The total value of stolen property is estimated at US$5 080, with US$5 000 recovered, leaving only the cellphone unaccounted for.
Investigations are ongoing, and Manicaland Province acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly when picking up passengers at night, and to consider having company when attending to clients during late hours.
