Taxi driver in court for cop kidnapping

A TAXI driver appeared in court yesterday for allegedly kidnapping a policewoman who jumped into his vehicle after he failed to produce a driver's licence.

Tawanda Chihota, who resides in Ross Camp, allegedly drove off his taxi after Yvonne Murwira and her colleague jumped into the taxi at the intersection of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and 9th Avenue on September 5.

He pleaded not guilty to kidnapping before Bulawayo Magistrate Sibongile Msipa and was remanded out of custody to September 30.

The State led by Denmore Kasenza alleged that the police officer demanded Chihota's driver's licence but he failed to produce it.

"The officers then entered into the vehicle and ordered Chihota to drive to their mother station which is Bulawayo Central Traffic.

"Chihota pleaded not to be taken to the station and an argument ensued. The other police officer got out of the taxi with the intention of taking over the driving and at that moment Chihota drove off at high speed with Murwira inside," said Kasenza.

Chihota drove past Bulawayo Central and later dumped the policewoman near ZRP Western Commonage. Murwira found her way back into town and reported the matter.