Online Reporter
IF there were an Olympic event for stupidity, Tafadzwa Chiseva Dumbuka (18) and Nyasha Masikati (19) would be strong contenders for gold.
The pair decided that the best way to start adulthood was not with books, work or even music, but by robbing a poor taxi driver in Epworth. The youthful duo thought they had stumbled on a get-rich-quick formula: rob a taxi driver, steal his car and live large. The outcome, however, was nothing short of disastrous.
On April 13, 2025, around 9pm, the buffoons, along with a still-at-large accomplice, hired taxi driver Michael Nyamudo (37) to ferry them from Munyuki Business Centre to Rueben Business Centre.
But they were not planning to pay. As they passed Zinyengerere Cemetery along Delport Road, their unnamed accomplice grabbed the unsuspecting driver by the throat and bludgeoned him with a beer bottle.
Dumbuka and Masikati, eager apprentices in crime, joined in, dragging Nyamudo to the back seat. They relieved him of US$50 cash, a wallet with an identity card, and a Samsung A03 Core phone. But, because no mampara story is complete without a touch of reckless stupidity, they then shoved him out of the moving vehicle. Yes, out of a moving car.
Having nearly killed their victim, they drove off triumphantly in his Toyota Spade, thinking they had joined the big leagues.
The joyride, however, did not last long.
The stolen vehicle was later found dumped in Warren Park — stripped of its battery, car radio, amplifier, speakers and keys.
Clearly, our teenage masterminds thought they could start a backyard car spares shop.
Property worth US$7 379 was stolen, though police eventually recovered goods valued at US$7 249. Our trusted detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad had little trouble cracking the case. In fact, it was almost laughably easy.
The stolen cellphone led them straight to Masikati. Under interrogation, he promptly named his partner in crime, Dumbuka, who had retreated to Mambeva village, under Chief Nyamandi, in Gutu, hoping rural quietness would hide him from the very long arm of the law. It did not!
Both were arrested, dragged to court and convicted of robbery. The Harare Magistrates’ Court sentenced them to four years in prison each. Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving them with an effective two-year staycation behind bars.
We can only hope that when they eventually come out they will realise that the route to prosperity includes hard, honest work.
