Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A RUSAPE mushikashika driver, who fatally assaulted a passenger who had hired him during the night, has been arrested and appeared in court facing murder charges.
Collen Kafesu, 34, of 821 Mabvazuva, in Rusape, appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbra Mateko on Monday on allegations of fatally assaulting Desire Saruwaka, 56. Kafesu, who was not represented in court, was not asked to plead and was instead advised to apply for bail at the High Court, as he faces a third scheduled offence.
Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Saruwaka hired Kafesu to drive him to Magamba suburb.
However, along the way, Saruwaka changed his mind and ordered Kafesu to proceed to Nyazura instead.
Kafesu refused and, after returning to Zuva Service Station, a physical altercation ensued.
Kafesu slapped Saruwaka, who fell onto the tarmac and died. “On September 13, 2025 at around 1am, and at Zuva Service Station, along Chiduku Road Rusape, Collen Kafesu was driving a Nissan AD Van (AHC 6444), when he was approached by the now deceased Desire Saruwaka, of Rupfunde, village Chief Tandi, who hired him to Magamba area in Rusape.
“On their way to Magamba, Saruwaka changed the destination as he said that he wanted to go to Compton Farm in Nyazura.
“This did not go down well with Kafesu, who drove back to Zuva Service Station, where he clapped the now deceased several times on the face.
“The victim fell down on the tarmac, and died on the spot. Kafesu was seen assaulting the now deceased and he also indicated the scene where he committed the offence,” said Mutukwa.
Magistrate Mateko adjourned the matter to September 28.
