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Beitbridge Bureau
A 25-year old taxi driver was thoroughly beaten by a passenger whom he allegedly wanted to rob on Saturday in Beitbridge.
Forget Mlambo of Dulibadzimu Township attempted to rob a South Africa-based computer technician who had hired him from the border post at around 3am.
Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Patrick Majuta confirmed the incident yesterday, saying Mlambo was armed with a rusty pistol loaded with three spent cartridges when he pounced on Evans Kansalu (24).
“Investigations so far reveal that Kansalu (24) arrived in the country from South Africa at around 3am on Saturday morning. Soon after completing all the immigration and customs formalities he left the border post and hired the suspect, who was driving a Toyota corolla disguised as a taxi.
“They agreed that Mlambo was to take the complainant to Total garage. Kansalu, who was carrying one bag and a computer diagnosing machine, sat on the left side of the back seat,” he said.
Chief Supt Majuta said when they had just passed traffic lights near Beitbridge Express Hotel; Mlambo pulled the vehicle off the road and locked all the doors.
Mlambo allegedly produced a pistol and pointed it at Kansalu demanding money, but the would-be victim reacted quickly and overpowered him.
“Upon realising that he was being overpowered; Mlambo unlocked the driver’s door and went outside. He tried to shoot at the man but unfortunately the firearm had spent cartridges. Kansalu then followed outside and thoroughly beat him up. He disarmed him in the process,” he said.
Chief Supt Majuta said the man tried to remove the car keys from the ignition but failed giving Mlambo an opportunity to speed off leaving a bag, a torn T-shirt and a gun.
Kansalu hired another taxi and reported the matter to the police.
Online Reporter