Taxi driver stripped naked, robbed

A CHIPINGE taxi driver got more than what he bargained for when he was stripped naked and lost US$80 and three cellphones to three robbers who also drove off with his Honda Fit vehicle.

Criminal Investigation Department Manicaland District Liaison Officer, Detective Sergeant Shake Shanu confirmed that Mr Takudzwa Ngqobi (20) of Gaza’s ZBS Section of Chipinge who plies the Mt Selinda-Chipinge route was on his usual business on Monday when he was approached by the three unknown robbers requesting to hire his vehicle to Mutakura Dam Turn-off in Chipinge.

Detective Sergeant Shanu said they lied to Mr Ngqobi that they intended to visit their relative who was not feeling well.

Mr Ngqobi charged them US$10 for the trip and they agreed to pay.

“Following the agreement, one of the accused persons who was slim and light in complexion occupied the front passenger’s seat. The other two suspects, both dark in complexion, occupied the back seat.

“Mr Ngqobi drove his Honda Fit vehicle to Mutakura Dam Turn-off and the suspects directed him to drive into the dusty road towards Mutakura Dam, alleging that they wanted to be dropped near their relative’s home.

“After driving for about a kilometre, the suspects instructed the complainant to make a U-turn and stop,” he said.

Detective Sergeant Shanu said soon after the complainant had stopped the vehicle, one of the suspects who was seated at the back seat grabbed the driver by the neck, while the one who was seated on the front passenger’s seat punched him with fists, demanding cash.

“They dragged him to the back seat where they stripped him naked before searching the clothes and stole US$80, a A20 Samsung smart phone, an Itel cellphone and a Class Two driver’s licence.

“The robbers tied Mr Ngqobi’s legs using his jacket. They also tied his hands with shoelaces. They further used a plastic paper to gag his mouth. The robbers dragged the driver out of the vehicle and dumped him about 10 meters from the road before speeding off towards the Birchenough Bridge-Mt Selinda Road,” said Detective Sergeant Shanu.

He said Mr Ngqobi managed to untie his legs, dressed up and rushed to the road where he got a lift to Chipinge town and filed a report at ZRP Chipinge Urban.

The vehicle and the other stolen property are still to be recovered, while the robbers are at large.

Detective Sergeant Shanu appealed for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.