Taxi driver appears in court over stolen, burnt vehicle

A 39-year-old taxi driver from Nkulumane has appeared before the courts facing charges of theft of trust property, after allegedly disappearing with his employer's vehicle - which was later found burnt.

Talent Dube, employed by Ms Getrude Nxumalo as a taxi driver, allegedly borrowed the silver-grey Mazda Demio, worth US$5,000, under the pretext of transporting a sick friend to Emganwini suburb in October last year. Ms Nxumalo, who also resides in Nkulumane and is not related to Dube, agreed to the request.

However, Dube is said to have become evasive and unresponsive, ignoring all attempts by Ms Nxumalo to recover the vehicle.

Dube appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mnkandla on charges of theft of trust property. He pleaded not guilty, claiming he had been kidnapped, and left the vehicle with his alleged abductors after escaping. He also told the court that he reported the incident to the police.

Prosecutor Ms Nomthandazo Mafu told the court that the vehicle was never returned, and following a police report, it was eventually recovered in a burnt state, effectively written off. The alleged offence occurred on 15 October 2024 at around 9AM.

"The accused person subsequently became evasive and stopped responding to the complainant's requests to return her vehicle," said Mafu.

Ms Nxumalo testified that the vehicle was her sole source of income, and its loss had left her in emotional and financial distress. She said she now suffers from sleepless nights and has had to resort to alcohol in order to cope.

"I've lost everything," she said in court. "That car was my livelihood."

The trial is set to continue this Friday, 16 May, with further testimony expected.