Kombi crew in court for kidnapping woman

A kombi crew from Bulawayo, accused of kidnapping and assaulting a 23-year-old woman over an alleged cellphone theft, appeared before the regional magistrate's court yesterday.

Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (35) and Proud Mpofu (20), both of Queens Park West suburb and operating under the Bupta association, were arraigned before regional magistrate Mrs. Dambudzo Malunga. They denied the charges, claiming they only sought to confront the complainant over a missing cellphone.

Prosecutor Mr. Owen Mugari told the court that the incident occurred on November 18 around 4 PM along 1st Avenue near Bulawayo Prison.

The State alleges that the pair forcibly removed Ms. Nokunqoba Nwane from another vehicle and made her board their kombi against her will. They then drove her to Woodville suburb and later back to town, allegedly threatening and assaulting her during the ordeal.

According to the prosecution, the complainant attempted to escape during the return trip but was pushed back into the vehicle, where she was struck on her left side by the door. She eventually managed to escape and reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Ndlovu and Mpofu.

In their defense, the accused told the court that the complainant had previously boarded their kombi and allegedly stolen Mpofu's cellphone. They claim that on the day in question, they merely engaged her in a civil conversation about the missing phone, which she denied knowledge of.

"The complainant consented to getting into our vehicle, and we had a civil conversation with her. We never hit, kidnapped, or assaulted her," said Ndlovu.

Mrs. Malunga adjourned the trial to today for further proceedings.

The case has sparked public interest, highlighting issues of safety and conduct within the public transport sector. The outcome of the trial is awaited as both sides present their arguments.