Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
A 49-year-old Kwekwe taxi operator was attacked and robbed of his vehicle, cash and a cellphone along the Kwekwe-Chiundura Road in a case that has raised fresh concerns over the increase in robberies targeting taxi drivers.
Police have confirmed receiving a robbery report, which occurred on 20 September 2026 near the Mlezu turn-off in Kwekwe at around 4pm.
Midlands provincial community relations liaison officer, Inspector Emanuel Mahoko, said the victim, Ophias Mandava of Mbizo, Kwekwe, was robbed of a Honda Fit motor vehicle.
“The incident occurred after the Taxi operator Ophias Mandava (49) of Mbizo, Kwekwe, was approached by a man who purported to hire him for a trip to Chiundura’s Savannah area whilst parked in Kwekwe Central Business District,” he said.
“The suspect travelled with two accomplices, a man and a female,” said Insp Mahoko.
“Along the way, near Mlezu Turn-off, the trio attacked Mandava, robbed him of cash and a cell phone. They pulled him out of the vehicle and drove off at high speed.”
The matter was reported to the police and the vehicle was later recovered near Gweru.
Insp Mahoko appealed to members of the public who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to any police station.
Police have also expressed concern over an increase in robbery cases of this nature in Kwekwe and surrounding areas, where criminals pose as clients before attacking taxi operators in isolated areas.
Taxi operators have been urged to be vigilant, avoid carrying more than one male passenger to secluded areas, and to always inform colleagues of their movements.
