Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
POLICE in Manicaland are hunting for a suspected pirate taxi operator who allegedly disappeared with a cab he had been entrusted to use for business after convincing the owner that he was a reliable driver.
The incident, which has left the complainant counting his losses, occurred in Odzi and has raised concerns about people exploiting trust within communities.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the matter and said investigations are underway to locate the suspect and recover the vehicle.
“The police are on the hunt for Tanaka Richmond Mandimika (22) of Zimunya after he fled with Blessing Katayi’s vehicle.
“Katayi was approached on February 18 this year by Concilliate Ndoro of Rusape, who recommended a driver looking for a vehicle to operate as a taxi. Ndoro reportedly told Katayi that Mandimika was trustworthy and capable of operating a vehicle for transport business.
“On February 18 at around 10:30am, Mandimika arrived at Katayi’s residence accompanied by Ndoro. He produced a Class Four driver’s licence to prove that he was qualified to drive,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Katayi then handed over his grey Toyota Wish registration number AFC 3196 to Mandimika so that he could use it as a taxi.
However, Mandimika allegedly drove away with the vehicle and never returned it as agreed.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the complainant later tried to locate the suspect but his efforts were unsuccessful.
“Katayi contacted Ndoro to inquire about his whereabouts, but he indicated that he had no information on where Mandimika could be found. Mandimika’s cellphone was also unreachable,” he said.
After failing to recover the vehicle on his own, Katayi reported the matter to the police at Odzi Police Station on Wednesday.
Police officers attended the scene and launched investigations, but the suspect had already disappeared.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the vehicle, valued at US$4 000, has not yet been recovered and the accused person remains at large.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the accused person or the recovery of the vehicle to report to their nearest police station,” he said.
He also warned members of the public to exercise caution when entering into informal business arrangements involving vehicles or other valuable property.
“We urge people to thoroughly verify individuals before entrusting them with property, even when they are introduced by people they know. Proper documentation and background checks can help prevent such incidents,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said investigations into the matter are continuing as they intensify efforts to locate the suspect and recover the stolen vehicle.
