A harrowing incident unfolded in the early hours of May 18, 2025, when a 30-year-old taxi driver operating under InDrive services narrowly escaped a violent ordeal in Bulawayo’s leafy suburbs. The driver, a resident of Morningside, received a call around 4 AM from a seemingly innocent female passenger requesting a ride from Palace Hotel.
As the driver navigated through the deserted streets, the passenger’s demeanor seemed normal – until they reached Park Road. That’s when three men wielding okapi knives emerged from the shadows, flung open the car doors, and threatened to kill the driver if he raised an alarm. The robbers ransacked the vehicle, making off with a Huawei P40 cellphone, a bag, US$90 in cash, a modulator, and a 5-litre container of engine oil.
The driver, shaken but unharmed, reported the incident to the police, who are now hunting for the suspects. The total estimated value of the stolen goods is about US$220. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele warned taxi operators to remain vigilant, urging them to be cautious with who they pick up, especially at odd hours.
“Trackers are highly recommended for their safety,” Inspector Msebele advised. Police are appealing to anyone with information that could help apprehend the suspects to come forward and assist with investigations. This incident highlights the growing risks faced by taxi drivers in Bulawayo and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures in the transport sector.
As the police investigation continues, one thing is certain – taxi drivers in Bulawayo need to be extra cautious when picking up passengers, especially at night. Will this incident serve as a wake-up call for increased safety measures, or will it become just another statistic in the city’s crime wave?
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