A 33-YEAR-OLD Harare taxi driver has been convicted by magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on charges of kidnapping a woman from Braeside.
Talent Mhembere pleaded not guilty during trial.
Harare magistrate Lisah Mutendereki ruled that there was overwhelming evidence after the State managed to prove a prima facie case.
The complainant is Faith Gwena (28).
Circumstances are that on November 19 last year, Gwena requested an inDrive taxi and she was charged US$2,50. She intended to travel from number 88 Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk Avondale.
Mhembere came driving a white Nissan Expert, picked her up and drove to her destination.
Upon reaching the destination, the complainant tendered US$10 but Mhembere did not accept the money indicating that he did not have change.
The court heard that Gwena opted to pay through EcoCash, but Mhembere insisted on cash.
- inDrive taxi driver kidnaps client
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After Mhembere noticed that the complainant did not have a smaller amount, he started his vehicle, locked the doors and drove towards King George Road at high speed.
Upon reaching Total Service Station, Avondale, Gwena shouted for help and a well-wisher tried to block the convict’s vehicle but he manoeuvred, turned right into King George Road and drove northwards.
When they were approaching Engine Service Station, the convict made a phone call to Purazi who told him to drive to Avondale Police Station.
Purazi then demanded money from the complainant and she gave him the US$10 note.
Purazi then threw US$7 change on the ground before they sped off.
She filed a police report leading to Mhembere's arrest.
He now awaits sentencing.
