Woman jumps from moving taxi to escape kidnapping

A 19-year-old woman from Victoria Falls allegedly leapt from a moving vehicle after a taxi driver reportedly ignored her destination and drove towards Bulawayo Road, leading to his arrest on kidnapping charges.

The accused, Prosper Sibanda (28), appeared before the Victoria Falls Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with kidnapping or unlawful detention. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday for sentencing.

The court heard that on May 21, 2026, at approximately 3pm, Sibanda was driving a silver Honda Fit when he picked up the complainant, Florence Piyo (19), at the Victoria Falls Hospital bus stop.

According to prosecutor Audrey Mukanganya, Piyo informed the driver that she wanted to travel to Mkhosana Payless Shopping Centre, and Sibanda agreed to take her there.

However, the court heard that instead of turning towards Mkhosana, the accused allegedly continued driving along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road in the direction of the airport.

“The complainant asked the accused person where she was taking her but instead he rebuked her and continued driving his car along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road heading towards the Airport direction,” the prosecutor told the court.

Fearing she was being taken to an unknown destination, Piyo allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle.

She later reported the matter to police, leading to Sibanda's arrest.

The teenager sustained injuries during the incident and received medical treatment at a local hospital. Prosecutors indicated that a medical report documenting her injuries would be produced in court as evidence.

### Jealous Husband Jailed for Axe Handle Attack

In a separate case before the same court, a Victoria Falls man was sentenced to prison after assaulting another man whom he suspected of having an affair.

Khawulani Nyathi (58) appeared before Magistrate Tinashe Bushu charged with assault.

The court heard that on April 2, 2026, at around 8pm, the complainant, Austin Ncube, was drinking beer with friends at Jabula Tuck Shop when Nyathi allegedly emerged and struck him three times on the head with an axe handle.

According to the prosecution, Ncube managed to wrestle the weapon from his attacker before Nyathi fled the scene.

The assault was reported to police, resulting in Nyathi's arrest.

The complainant remains hospitalised, and a medical report is expected to be presented to the court.

Magistrate Bushu convicted Nyathi and sentenced him to 17 months' imprisonment. Seven months of the sentence were suspended, leaving him to serve an effective 10-month jail term.

Both cases highlight ongoing concerns over violent crime and personal safety in the resort city, with courts continuing to impose penalties on offenders found guilty of serious criminal conduct.