Chronicle Editor
Michelle Gwizi, Chronicle Reporter
A 39-YEAR-OLD pirate taxi conductor from Bulawayo allegedly kidnapped a 20-year-old woman who offered to pay taxi fare using EcoCash, when she was about to drop off.
Kenneth Chirwa appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi who remanded him in custody to today for the provision of a trial date.
He pleaded not guilty to a kidnapping or unlawful detention charge.
Chirwa from Tshabalala is a conductor for taxis that pirate along the Selbourne Park-City Centre route.
Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on February 17 this year at around 7PM, the complainant Ms Joyleen Mavherevhedze boarded a taxi at Selbourne Park and Chirwa was the conductor while his accomplice who is still at large was driving.
“When they were almost in town, Ms Mavherevhedze offered to pay the fare for the ride using EcoCash but Chirwa and his accomplice demanded cash.
“She got off at Tredgold Building, Corner, Leopold Takawira Avenue and Fort Street but Chirwa allegedly pulled her back into the car. They drove her to Chirwa’s residence against her will,” said Mr Mageza.
The court heard they lied to the landlord that she was a wife to the driver and they were looking for a place to sleep but the complainant quickly rebuked them and was rescued by Chirwa’s landlord.
Ms Mavherevhedze proceeded to Bulawayo Central Police Station and made a report leading to Chirwa’s arrest. She did not sustain any injuries, the court heard. – @gwizi_n
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