Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A MAN was left naked after being attacked and robbed in a Mushikashika along Glenara Avenue in Harare.
He had boarded the Mushikashika, which had criminals, who were pretending to be passengers.
Police said Onai Murovanidzwa, 48, of Chitate Village, boarded a red Honda Fit at about midnight at the intersection of Simon Muzenda and Robert Mugabe Road.
He was travelling to Domboshava.
According to authorities, there were three men in the car, including the driver.
Murovanidzwa sat in the back passenger seat with one of the criminals.
During the trip, one of the men produced a knife and started assaulting him.
He was ordered to surrender his valuables and was also forced to lie facing downwards, apparently to prevent him from seeing where the vehicle was going.
Police said the criminals searched him and stole US$200 cash, a small Nokia cellphone, a green satchel, containing a fleece blanket, as well as clothes.
The criminals undressed Murovanidzwa and abandoned him naked, before driving off towards Chisipite.
“I was given clothes by well-wishers,” Murovanidzwa said.
Police said he sustained injuries, including a cut on his upper lip, and a swollen left eye, and reported pain throughout his body.
Murovanidzwa said he had been travelling from Chipinge, where he was thatching some houses.
He said the bus he boarded was delayed by mechanical problems.
They were later transferred into another bus in Mutare. This meant they arrived in Harare late which, he said, left him vulnerable to the criminals who attacked him.
Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case.
He urged people to avoid travelling at night and to be cautious when boarding Mushikashika vehicles.
“We are investigating an armed robbery, using knives, case involving a Mushikashika vehicle.
“We continue to urge people to consider their safety first when travelling,” he said.
Insp Chakanza said criminals have been using Mushikashika vehicles to target unsuspecting commuters.
He advised travellers to look for safe places to sleep and continue their journey during the day.
He also warned against boarding private vehicles driven by people who the passengers do not know.
“Mushikashika vehicles are not safe at all, avoid boarding private vehicles of drivers you do not know,” he said. Murovanidzwa was referred to Parirenyatwa for treatment.
