A 33-year-old taxi driver from Harare, Talent Mhembere, has been found guilty of k!dnapping a passenger after compelling evidence was presented in court.
The ruling was made by magistrate Lisa Mutendereki as reported by Newsday.
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The incident involved 28-year-old Faith Gwena, who on November 19 of last year, requested an inDrive taxi for a trip from 88 Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale.
Mhembere arrived in a white Nissan Expert and successfully picked her up for a fare of US$2.50.
Upon reaching her destination, Gwena attempted to pay with a US$10 note. However, Mhembere refused the payment, claiming he did not have any change.
Despite Gwena’s offer to pay through EcoCash, Mhembere insisted on receiving cash.
Realizing she didn’t have smaller denominations, Mhembere locked the doors of the vehicle and drove off at high speed towards King George Road.
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During the frantic ride, Gwena managed to shout for help when they approached the Total Service Station in Avondale. A passerby attempted to block the vehicle, but Mhembere skillfully evaded the obstruction and continued driving.
In a troubling turn of events, Mhembere made a phone call to someone named Purazi, who instructed him to head to the Avondale Police Station. Upon arrival, Purazi demanded money from Gwena, to which she handed over the US$10 note. Purazi then tossed US$7 in change onto the ground before they fled the scene.
Following this harrowing experience, Gwena reported the incident to the police, leading to Mhembere’s arrest.
The court ultimately found him guilty, and he is now awaiting sentencing after his not guilty plea was deemed unsubstantiated in light of overwhelming evidence against him.
