A 30-year-old Nketa man learned the hard way that picking up strangers in his Honda Fit pirate ride can be a recipe for disaster. The terrifying incident occurred on Saturday, June 14, around 6:35 PM, along Churchill Road in Bulawayo’s Hillside suburb.
The driver had picked up three men who claimed they needed to collect a friend in Hillside. But when they got to Churchill Road, the so-called passengers turned into predators. One of them pulled out an okapi knife and pointed it at the driver’s neck while another jabbed him in the stomach with a second blade. Talk about a lovely ride-share experience!
The thugs made off with US$115 and an Itel phone, valued at US$85. In a bizarre move, they removed the cellphone battery, threw it away, and left the handset behind. Because, you know, phone batteries are like hot potatoes – nobody wants them!
The trio vanished into a waiting GD-6 twin cab with no number plates and sped off toward the city centre. The police are now investigating and appealing for information to help locate the suspects.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele urged drivers to be cautious when picking passengers, especially during odd hours. “We also appeal to anyone with information that could help us locate the suspects to come forward,” said Insp Msebele. So, if you’re a pirate ride driver, beware – your next passenger might be your worst nightmare!
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