inDrive Taxi Driver Found Guilty Of Kidnapping Passenger
Talent Mhembere, a 33-year-old taxi driver from Harare, has been convicted of kidnapping Faith Gwena, a 28-year-old woman from Braeside, reported NewsDay.
During the trial, Mhembere denied the charges, but Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki ruled that the evidence against him was clear.
The court heard that on November 19, 2024, Gwena booked an inDrive taxi for a trip from Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk, Avondale, costing US$2.50. Mhembere arrived in a white Nissan Expert and drove her to her destination.
When they arrived, Gwena tried to pay with a US$10 bill, but Mhembere claimed he didn’t have change. Gwena offered to pay using EcoCash by Mhembere insisted on cash.
Then, without warning, Mhembere locked the doors of his car and sped off towards King George Road.
As they passed Total Service Station in Avondale, Gwena screamed for help, and a passerby attempted to block the taxi. However, Mhembere manoeuvred his car, turned into King George Road, and drove further north.
Near the Engine Service Station, Mhembere made a phone call to a person named Purazi, who instructed him to drive to Avondale Police Station.
Once there, Purazi demanded money from Gwena, who gave him US$10. He threw US$7 in change on the ground before they drove off.
Gwena later reported the incident to the police, leading to Mhembere’s arrest. He is now waiting for sentencing.
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