A Harare court has convicted Talent Mhembere, 33, of kidnapping after the inDrive taxi driver detained and drove off with a passenger who couldn’t provide exact change for her fare.

Faith Gwena, 28, testified that Mhembere locked her in his vehicle and sped away on November 19, 2023, when she tried to pay her US$2.50 fare with a US$10 note. The incident occurred after a ride from Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale.

Mhembere rejected Gwena’s offer to pay via EcoCash mobile transfer, insisting on cash payment. He then called an accomplice named Purazi and drove toward King George Road, ignoring Gwena’s cries for help at a service station.

Instead of following Purazi’s instruction to drive to Avondale Police Station, the men extorted the US$10 from Gwena. Purazi threw US$7 in change on the ground before they fled.

Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki found the evidence against Mhembere conclusive. Sentencing is pending.