News / National
Taxi driver ambushed after lady-lure ride from Palace Hotel
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A 30-year-old taxi driver operating under InDrive services narrowly escaped a violent ordeal after a late-night trip turned into a terrifying armed robbery in Bulawayo's leafy Suburbs on May 18, 2025.
The driver, a resident of Morningside, was called around 4 AM by a seemingly innocent female passenger requesting a ride from Palace Hotel. What started as a routine journey quickly turned into a nightmare when they reached Park Road.
After the woman asked to be dropped off, three men wielding okapi knives suddenly emerged from the shadows. The attackers flung open the car doors and threatened to kill the driver if he raised an alarm.
The robbers ransacked the vehicle, making off with a Huawei P40 cellphone, a bag, US$90 in cash, a modulator, and a 5-litre container of engine oil. The total estimated value of the stolen goods is about US$220.
The gang vanished into the night, and no arrests have been made as police continue to hunt for the suspects.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele warned taxi operators to remain vigilant. "Taxi drivers have become targets for these scheming criminals. We urge them to be cautious with who they pick up, especially at odd hours. Trackers are highly recommended for their safety."
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could help apprehend the suspects to come forward and assist with investigations.
This incident highlights the growing risks faced by taxi drivers in Bulawayo and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures in the transport sector.
The driver, a resident of Morningside, was called around 4 AM by a seemingly innocent female passenger requesting a ride from Palace Hotel. What started as a routine journey quickly turned into a nightmare when they reached Park Road.
After the woman asked to be dropped off, three men wielding okapi knives suddenly emerged from the shadows. The attackers flung open the car doors and threatened to kill the driver if he raised an alarm.
The robbers ransacked the vehicle, making off with a Huawei P40 cellphone, a bag, US$90 in cash, a modulator, and a 5-litre container of engine oil. The total estimated value of the stolen goods is about US$220.
The gang vanished into the night, and no arrests have been made as police continue to hunt for the suspects.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele warned taxi operators to remain vigilant. "Taxi drivers have become targets for these scheming criminals. We urge them to be cautious with who they pick up, especially at odd hours. Trackers are highly recommended for their safety."
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could help apprehend the suspects to come forward and assist with investigations.
This incident highlights the growing risks faced by taxi drivers in Bulawayo and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures in the transport sector.
Source - zimpapers
