Borrowdale woman stabs hired driver in violent midday attack

A woman from Borrowdale in Harare has appeared in court after allegedly stabbing a taxi driver multiple times in a shocking broad daylight incident.

Michelle Nhukarume appeared before Harare magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini facing an assault charge. She was granted bail of US$100.

The complainant, Godwin Mikiri, is a self-employed taxi driver who operates using the inDrive platform.

Prosecutor Tinashe Maphosa told the court that on April 10, 2026, at around 11am, Nhukarume hired Mikiri to drive her on errands around the city.

The court heard that she directed him to Gumble Close in Borrowdale, claiming she wanted to pick up a person identified only as Herry. Mikiri reportedly waited for more than an hour while Nhukarume allegedly gave repeated assurances and excuses to prevent him from leaving, promising to increase the fare.

At around midday, Nhukarume allegedly received a phone call and exited the vehicle, saying she needed privacy. While Mikiri reclined his seat to rest, she is said to have re-entered the car through the rear passenger door and launched a sudden attack with a kitchen knife.

She allegedly stabbed him in the chest, sparking a struggle as he tried to defend himself. During the altercation, Nhukarume is accused of repeatedly striking him, leaving him with a chest wound and multiple injuries to his hands.

The court heard that in a desperate attempt to stop the assault, Mikiri grabbed the knife by its blade and pulled it towards himself, managing to bite the accused on the neck. The knife reportedly fell during the struggle.

Bleeding heavily, Mikiri shouted for help, drawing the attention of a nearby resident, Mrs Muzambe, and three other men who rushed to assist him.

Mrs Muzambe reportedly drove the injured driver to a nearby clinic for treatment before taking Nhukarume to the police station, where a report was filed.

The matter is still pending before the court.