Gun-toting taxi driver jailed

Beitbridge Bureau
A 25-YEAR-OLD taxi driver who was thoroughly beaten by a passenger he tried to rob has been jailed for 12 years by a Beitbridge magistrate. Forget Mlambo of Dulibadzimu Township attempted to rob a South Africa-based computer technician who had hired him from the border post last month.

The accused was armed with a rusty pistol loaded with three spent cartridges when he pounced on Evans Kansalu (24).
Mlambo pleaded not guilty to armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm when his trial opened before regional magistrate Joseph Maveza but he was convicted on the strength of overwhelming evidence provided by the State.

He was sentenced to one month imprisonment for illegally possessing a fire arm, with an option to pay a fine of US$3 000.
Prosecutor Mr Johannes Tlou told the court that Kansalu arrived in the country from South Africa, through Beitbridge Border Post at around 3am on 1 February.

He said after completing immigration and customs formalities, he hired Mlambo, who was driving a Toyota Corolla that he claimed was a taxi.
Kansalu, who was carrying a bag and a computer diagnosing machine, sat on the rear left seat.

When they approached Beitbridge Express Hotel, Mlambo pulled the vehicle off the road and locked all the doors. He pointed the pistol at Kansalu and demanded money.

However, the would-be victim reacted quickly and overpowered him.
Mlambo unlocked the driver’s door and went outside from where he tried to shoot at the man but the firearm’s cartridges were spent.

Kansalu followed him and beat him up. He disarmed him and tried to remove the keys from the car ignition but failed, giving Mlambo an opportunity to get back in the vehicle and speed off leaving a bag, a torn T-shirt and a gun.

Kansalu hired another taxi and reported the matter to the police who arrested Mlambo in Dulibadzimu that same day.
The firearm and Mlambo’s torn T-Shirt were recovered from the scene and the vehicle was found hidden in Dulibadzimu.

Mlambo was also found in possession of a cellphone belonging to the complainant.