'Cellphone thief' kidnapped in Bulawayo city centre

A woman and three men have been accused of kidnapping and assaulting a man they suspected of stealing a cellphone in Bulawayo, in a shocking incident that unfolded earlier this month.

The four accused, identified as Gorden Dliwayo (34), Gift Munhungowarwa (24), Antony Gwapedza (28), and Lydia Mpofu (35), all from New Magwegwe, appeared before the Bulawayo Western Commonage Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping and assault. They were remanded in custody to November 15.

The incident is believed to have occurred in October, when the four accused allegedly abducted Mr. Blessed Muninga, a 28-year-old man, in the city centre, accusing him of stealing Munhungowarwa's cellphone.

According to the State's prosecutor, Ms. Melisa Dube, the accused drove to the city centre where they confronted Mr. Muninga. They allegedly dragged him into the boot of their car, "gangster movie-style," and drove him to New Magwegwe, to one of their homes. During the journey, Mr. Muninga was reportedly locked in the trunk, pleading for mercy, while the accused assaulted him by punching and slapping him.

Once at the house in New Magwegwe, the accused allegedly continued to beat Mr. Muninga before putting him back into the car boot and driving him to Mpofu's residence. At Mpofu's house, they allegedly began assaulting him again, demanding he reveal the location of the stolen phone.

During the court proceedings, Mr. Muninga testified that the accused confronted him, accusing him of stealing Munhungowarwa's phone and forced him to lead them to his house. Upon arriving at Mr. Muninga's residence, the accused failed to find the stolen phone, but he sustained bruises as a result of the assault.

The case has drawn attention to the issue of vigilantism and the potential dangers of taking the law into one's own hands. The accused will remain in custody while investigations continue.