Police in Bulawayo have urged taxi drivers to install vehicle trackers following a rise in targeted criminal attacks involving skimming tactics.
This call comes after a 30-year-old male taxi driver from Morningside, operating under the InDrive ride-hailing platform, was attacked at around 4pm on Thursday.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident and said the driver had received a call from a woman requesting a ride from the Palace Hotel to Suburbs.
“The complainant proceeded to the Palace Hotel to pick up the accused person and drove her to Suburbs. Upon reaching Park Road, she indicated her preferred drop-off point,” said Inspector Msebele.
However, upon arrival at the location, three male suspects emerged from the opposite direction.
“They opened the vehicle doors, produced okapi knives, and threatened to kill the driver if he screamed. They searched the car and stole a Huawei P40 cellphone, a small bag, US$90 in cash, a modulator, and five litres of engine oil before fleeing the scene,” she said.
A police report was subsequently filed.
“The total value of the stolen items is estimated at US$220. Nothing has been recovered so far,” added Inspector Msebele.
She urged taxi drivers to be cautious about the clients they serve.
“Taxi drivers have become targets of criminals using skimming tactics. We encourage them to install vehicle trackers for their safety. We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward,” she said.
In a separate case, police arrested 54-year-old Paul Makomva of Mbundane, Bulawayo, after he was found in possession of a prohibited weapon.
“On 16 May 2025, at around 2am, a 50-year-old woman from Cowdray Park was asleep when she was awakened by voices outside her home. She immediately alerted the police,” said Inspector Msebele.
Police, accompanied by members of the local neighbourhood watch committee, responded promptly and found Makomva parked in a Toyota Spacio (registration AFY3804) near the complainant’s house.
“When questioned, Makomva claimed he had been hired by two unknown men from Renkini Bus Terminus to transport bags from an unidentified location in Cowdray Park. He also alleged that the two men fled the scene upon noticing the police,” she said.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a pair of catapults and an okapi knife, resulting in Makomva’s arrest.