Online Reporter
Post Reporter
A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been fined US$105 or face 10 days in jail for indecently assaulting a female passenger in an illegal pirate taxi (mushika-shika).
Richard Musundura, of Vengere suburb in Rusape, was convicted by Rusape magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe for fondling a 22-year-old woman’s breasts as she asked for her change.
The incident occurred on February 27, 2026, when the woman boarded an unregistered taxi driven by Musundura’s friend.
After an argument over change, Musundura took the wheel, drove to a secluded area, and indecently assaulted the woman.
The victim was rescued by the driver’s wife, who unlocked the vehicle and gave her money for transport. Musundura was arrested after the woman reported the incident to police.
Musundura, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the offence, and Mr Mahwe sentenced him to pay US$105 or face 10 days’ imprisonment.
Prosecutor Ms Rutendo Nyamwanza said upon reaching her destination, the complainant paid US$1 and requested her ZiG20 change. The driver failed to give her change, and an argument ensued.
Other passengers disembarked, and Musundura took the wheel, driving to Hide Out Bar Complex.
He proceeded to the UVE Section without the consent of the complainant. Musundura hugged the complainant with one hand and caressed her breasts with the other.
She tried to push him away but was overpowered.
She started crying, and he stopped.
The woman was driven to Musundura’s friend’s house, where she was locked in the car. The friend’s wife rescued her, unlocking the vehicle and giving her US$1 for transport.
The complainant boarded a taxi and reported the incident to Rusape Central Police station, leading to Musundura’s arrest.
