adminTimoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
A Gweru man who pushed the driver of a pirate taxi out of a car and drove off to his intended destination after the two had a misunderstanding over the taxi fare was yesterday sentenced to eight years in prison.
Loopture George, 25, of House Number 6679 Chikonda Road, Ascot suburb, was also fined $300 for driving without a licence.
Regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire yesterday found George guilty of carjacking and driving without a licence.
He sentenced him to eight years in prison for the carjacking charge but he will only serve five years after the magistrate suspended three on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Ndamukaneyi Chikuni said on June 5 this year at midnight, Forward Munava was driving his Honda Fit vehicle pirating along the City-Mkoba route.
Chikuni said George boarded Munava’s car near OK Supermarket in the city centre.
The car had six other passengers on board.
Chikuni said George was seated in the front seat.
The court heard that Munava drove off and stopped at Trek Service Station intending to refuel his car.
Chikuni said Munava asked the passengers to pay up so that he could pay for the fuel.
She said an argument ensued between Munava and one of his passengers, George, who was insisting that the complainant take him to Ascot despite the fact that the pirate taxi was not going there.
Chikuni said Munava made a U-turn intending to drive back to town as he wanted to drop off George.
She said this angered George who kept insisting on being taken to Ascot.
The court heard that when the car stopped, George somehow managed to push Munava out of the driver’s seat and the car before driving off towards Ascot with two other passengers on board.
Chikuni said the complainant made a follow up with another car and saw his car parked opposite Mambo Service Station.
She said Munava rushed to the nearby Monomotapa Police Station where he made a report.
Chikuni said some police officers at the station teamed up with the complainant and accosted George who was still in the car.
Online Reporter