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inDrive taxi driver kidnaps client in Zimbabwe
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A 33-year-old taxi driver from Harare, Talent Mhembere, has been convicted of kidnapping a woman following a payment disagreement. The ruling was delivered by Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, who found overwhelming evidence against the accused.
Mhembere, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, was convicted of abducting 28-year-old Faith Gwena in an incident that occurred on November 19, 2024.
According to court records, Gwena had requested a ride using the inDrive platform and was charged US$2.50 for a trip from Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale. Mhembere, driving a white Nissan Expert, picked her up and drove to her destination.
Upon arrival, Gwena offered a US$10 note to pay for the trip. However, Mhembere declined the payment, claiming he had no change. Gwena suggested paying via EcoCash, but Mhembere refused, insisting on cash.
The situation escalated when Mhembere noticed that Gwena did not have smaller denominations. He locked the car doors and sped off towards King George Road, effectively holding her against her will.
During the ordeal, Gwena shouted for help when the car reached a Total Service Station in Avondale. A bystander attempted to block Mhembere's vehicle, but he evaded them and continued driving.
The court heard that Mhembere made a phone call to an individual named Purazi, who instructed him to head to Avondale Police Station. Upon arrival, Purazi demanded payment from Gwena. She handed over the US$10 note, after which Purazi threw US$7 in change on the ground before the two men drove off.
Gwena later reported the incident to the police, leading to Mhembere's arrest.
Magistrate Mutendereki ruled that the State had successfully proved a prima facie case against Mhembere, convicting him on the kidnapping charge. He now awaits sentencing.
Mhembere, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, was convicted of abducting 28-year-old Faith Gwena in an incident that occurred on November 19, 2024.
According to court records, Gwena had requested a ride using the inDrive platform and was charged US$2.50 for a trip from Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale. Mhembere, driving a white Nissan Expert, picked her up and drove to her destination.
Upon arrival, Gwena offered a US$10 note to pay for the trip. However, Mhembere declined the payment, claiming he had no change. Gwena suggested paying via EcoCash, but Mhembere refused, insisting on cash.
During the ordeal, Gwena shouted for help when the car reached a Total Service Station in Avondale. A bystander attempted to block Mhembere's vehicle, but he evaded them and continued driving.
The court heard that Mhembere made a phone call to an individual named Purazi, who instructed him to head to Avondale Police Station. Upon arrival, Purazi demanded payment from Gwena. She handed over the US$10 note, after which Purazi threw US$7 in change on the ground before the two men drove off.
Gwena later reported the incident to the police, leading to Mhembere's arrest.
Magistrate Mutendereki ruled that the State had successfully proved a prima facie case against Mhembere, convicting him on the kidnapping charge. He now awaits sentencing.
Source - newsday
