Stolen taxi used in robberies

POLICE in Gweru have launched an investigation after three men robbed a taxi driver of his car and later used the car to rob a private college in Mkoba suburb.

Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said on Monday  afternoon, Jaison Koki, a taxi driver, was approached by one male adult in Gweru CBD who said he wanted to be dropped at Ridgemont suburb.

"Koki, who was using a Toyota Vitz, drove the car to Ridgemont where the suspect who had hired him told him to stop at an intersection in the suburb," Insp Mahoko said.

"The suspect disembarked from the car and pretended to be looking for money  in his pockets to pay the taxi fare but suddenly two men emerged from the bush and one of them proceeded and dragged Koki out of the car before shoving him into the back seat."

Insp Mahoko said Koki was made to sit between two suspects on the back of the car while the other suspect drove the car.

"They drove to a bushy area in Ridgemont and tied Koki's hands and feet with ropes. They searched his pockets and took $18 cash and a cellphone before they drove away," he said.

Insp Mahoko said the three suspects later used Koki's taxi to rob a cashier at Herentals College in Mkoba of $500 cash.

He said police had launched a manhunt for the suspects.