Taxi driver loses car, US$150 to gun-wielding arme...

Taxi driver loses car, US$150 to gun-wielding armed robbers

Zim Now Writer

A Rusape taxi driver lost his vehicle, two cell phones and US$150 to three gun-wielding robbers, who also stripped him naked.

The robbers later dumped Julius Jusa and his friend, Rasheed Chikwenya, in the bush at around midnight.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the incident, which took place along the Rusape-Hwedza Road.

“The incident happened near St Joseph’s Primary School Turn-off, along the Rusape-Hwedza Road. On the day in question, Mr Jusa, who was at OK Parking Area in Rusape, was approached by the three accused persons who asked him to transport them to St Joseph’s Primary School Turn-off.

“Mr Jusa asked Mr Chikwenya to accompany him. One of the suspects sat at the passenger’s seat, while the two and Mr Chikwenya sat at the back. One of the suspects told the driver to turn left towards St Joseph’s High School, but he refused.

“Sensing danger, the driver refused to stop the vehicle. The suspect who was on the passenger’s seat produced a pistol and fired a warning shot. He threatened to shoot Mr Jusa if he failed to comply with their orders.

“He ordered Mr Jusa, who was now in panic mode, to sit at the back while he took over the driving. He drove towards Hwedza Road. He ordered the two complainants to surrender their cellphones and threw the SIM cards outside.

“They reached Zindoga Turn-off and turned right. They drove for over two kilometres long a dirt road. The accused then stripped the complainants naked and took away their wallets with a combined US$158.

“They threw the clothes away and dumped the two in a bush. The duo later walked naked before they met a Good Samaritan who reported the matter to the police,” said Insp Muzondo.

The three suspects, who are still at large, disappeared with the Honda Fit.

Police are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the three to contact their nearest police station.

A man-hunt has been launched for the three robbers.