A 35 year old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping a motorist in a case that later crossed into Botswana.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said Ability Tshuma of Cowdray Park was convicted by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court for kidnapping 38 year old Jokonia Matendere.
On February 13, 2025, Matendere was driving along the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho Road when he gave a lift to two men at Nyamandlovu.
The men allegedly diverted him to Stevens Village, where they grabbed him, tied his hands, taped his mouth and locked him in the boot of his Honda Fit before driving towards Bulawayo.
They allegedly demanded money and later forced Matendere to contact his wife for cash. The attempt was unsuccessful.
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The suspects then collected Tshuma and drove towards Zimnyama and Plumtree.
On February 15, they allegedly abandoned the vehicle after villagers became suspicious and crossed into Botswana on foot with Matendere.
After escaping, Matendere reported the matter to Botswana Police.
On August 14, 2026, he identified Tshuma on Fort Street in Bulawayo and alerted patrolling police officers, leading to his arrest.
The two alleged accomplices remain at large.
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