Mushikashika robbers strip passenger naked

A 48-year-old man was left naked and injured after being attacked and robbed by suspected criminals posing as passengers in a Mushikashika vehicle along Glenara Avenue in Harare.

The victim, Onai Murovanidzwa of Chitate Village, Domboshava, boarded a red Honda Fit shortly after midnight at the intersection of Simon Muzenda Street and Robert Mugabe Road, intending to travel home.

According to police, three men, including the driver, were inside the vehicle when Murovanidzwa got in. He took a seat in the back next to one of the suspects.

During the journey, one of the men allegedly produced a knife and began assaulting him. The attackers ordered him to hand over his valuables before forcing him to lie face down in the vehicle, apparently to prevent him from identifying where they were taking him.

The suspects searched him and stole US$200 cash, a Nokia cellphone, a green satchel containing a fleece blanket, and several items of clothing.

After robbing him, the attackers stripped Murovanidzwa naked and dumped him before driving off towards Chisipite.

"I was given clothes by well-wishers," said Murovanidzwa.

He sustained a cut on his upper lip, a swollen left eye and complained of pain throughout his body following the attack.

Murovanidzwa said he had been returning from Chipinge, where he had been working on thatching houses. He explained that mechanical problems delayed the bus he had boarded, forcing passengers to transfer to another bus in Mutare and resulting in their late arrival in Harare.

The delay, he said, left him vulnerable to criminals operating at night.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.

"We are investigating an armed robbery, using knives, case involving a Mushikashika vehicle," said Insp Chakanza. "We continue to urge people to consider their safety first when travelling."

He warned that criminals have increasingly been using Mushikashika vehicles to target unsuspecting commuters and advised travellers to avoid night journeys where possible.

Insp Chakanza encouraged stranded travellers to seek safe accommodation and continue their journeys during daylight hours. He also cautioned members of the public against boarding private vehicles operated by unknown drivers.

"Mushikashika vehicles are not safe at all. Avoid boarding private vehicles of drivers you do not know," he said.

Murovanidzwa was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical treatment.