News / National
Mushikashika kingpin 'Shutto' dies
11 Nov 2024 at 07:08hrs | Views
Stewart Chiweshe, widely known as Shutto, a former nightclub bouncer and notorious figure behind an illegal taxi rank in Bulawayo, has tragically passed away in a car accident. The incident occurred on Saturday night along Plumtree Road, where Chiweshe and his younger brother, Ashley Chiweshe, lost their lives.
Chiweshe, once infamous for his role in the illegal taxi rank at the corner of Third Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street, was known for controlling the operations of vehicles ferrying passengers to suburbs like Northend and Saucerstown. His leadership in the illegal taxi operations earned him the reputation of being a powerful figure in the area, with taxi operators required to pay daily fees to him and his associates to maintain their spots at the rank. Failure to comply often led to drivers being banned from working there.
As news of his untimely death spread, friends, family, and former associates took to social media to express their shock and grief. Cecil Chiweshe, a relative, wrote, "I can't believe that the two of you, Stewart Chiweshe and Ashley Chiweshe, are gone. Gone too soon." Stanley Paradzai, another acquaintance, shared, "I was with you on Friday, and this is how you decided to say goodbye Stewart. My heart is broken." Liberty Zhou, still in disbelief, offered his condolences and encouraged the family to find comfort in the Lord.
Chiweshe's reputation as a strong-arm figure extended beyond his work at the taxi rank. In 2015, he and his close associate, Tinashe "Mhofu" Marima, were sentenced to prison after brutally assaulting a commuter omnibus driver who allegedly "stole" customers. The two men beat the driver so severely that he lost consciousness, sustaining a dislocated shoulder and head fracture. Following the assault, the driver was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital. Chiweshe received an 18-month sentence, serving a year in jail, while Marima was sentenced to 19 months with part of his sentence suspended on good behavior and community service.
At the time, the courts made it clear that violence among touts over routes was a serious offense, one that had been increasingly common in the city.
The police have not yet commented on the cause of the accident, but the tragic death of Chiweshe and his brother has sent shockwaves through the community, with many recalling their impact on the local taxi scene.
Chiweshe's passing marks the end of a controversial and turbulent chapter in the history of Bulawayo's illegal taxi operations.
Chiweshe, once infamous for his role in the illegal taxi rank at the corner of Third Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street, was known for controlling the operations of vehicles ferrying passengers to suburbs like Northend and Saucerstown. His leadership in the illegal taxi operations earned him the reputation of being a powerful figure in the area, with taxi operators required to pay daily fees to him and his associates to maintain their spots at the rank. Failure to comply often led to drivers being banned from working there.
As news of his untimely death spread, friends, family, and former associates took to social media to express their shock and grief. Cecil Chiweshe, a relative, wrote, "I can't believe that the two of you, Stewart Chiweshe and Ashley Chiweshe, are gone. Gone too soon." Stanley Paradzai, another acquaintance, shared, "I was with you on Friday, and this is how you decided to say goodbye Stewart. My heart is broken." Liberty Zhou, still in disbelief, offered his condolences and encouraged the family to find comfort in the Lord.
At the time, the courts made it clear that violence among touts over routes was a serious offense, one that had been increasingly common in the city.
The police have not yet commented on the cause of the accident, but the tragic death of Chiweshe and his brother has sent shockwaves through the community, with many recalling their impact on the local taxi scene.
Chiweshe's passing marks the end of a controversial and turbulent chapter in the history of Bulawayo's illegal taxi operations.
Source - the chronicle
