A 33-year-old inDrive driver from Harare has been convicted of kidnapping a female passenger following a heated dispute over payment. The case was presided over by Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, who ruled in favor of the complainant, citing overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.
The convicted driver, Talent Mhembere, pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Magistrate Mutendereki found that the prosecution had built a strong case, leaving no room for doubt. The victim, 28-year-old Faith Gwena, recounted her ordeal in court, explaining how a simple payment disagreement escalated into a terrifying abduction.
How the inDrive Driver Ended Up with Kidnapping Charges
The incident occurred on November 19 of last year when Gwena requested a ride using the inDrive app. She intended to travel from number 88 Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale and was charged a fare of US$2.50. Mhembere, driving a white Nissan Expert, promptly picked her up and began the journey without any issues.
Upon reaching her destination, Gwena attempted to pay the US$2.50 fare with a US$10 note. However, Mhembere refused to accept it, claiming he did not have change. Gwena then offered to pay via EcoCash, but Mhembere insisted on cash only.
At that moment, the situation took a drastic turn. When Gwena could not provide a smaller denomination, Mhembere locked the vehicle’s doors, started the car, and sped off at high speed toward King George Road.
Indrive Driver Accused of Kidnapping
As the vehicle raced down King George Road, Gwena realized she was in serious danger. When they reached the Total Service Station in Avondale, she screamed for help. A bystander, noticing her distress, attempted to intervene by blocking Mhembere’s vehicle. However, Mhembere maneuvered around the person and continued driving north along King George Road.
The Police Station Plan
In an unexpected twist, Mhembere made a phone call to an accomplice named Purazi. During the conversation, Purazi instructed him to drive to the Avondale Police Station. Upon arrival, Purazi confronted Gwena and demanded US$10, which she reluctantly handed over. He then threw US$7 in change on the ground before they quickly fled the scene.
Shaken by the ordeal, Gwena immediately reported the kidnapping to the police. A swift investigation led to Mhembere’s arrest, and he was charged with kidnapping before being brought to trial.
Driver Maintains Innocence During Trial
Throughout the trial, Mhembere insisted he was innocent. However, the evidence presented against him was undeniable. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki ruled that the State had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, Mhembere was convicted of kidnapping and now awaits sentencing.
