Think Twice Before Offering A Lift—Driver Loses Everything
A Harare man was left tied up, bleeding, and stranded after offering a lift to five passengers—two of whom later turned on him in a violent carjacking.
Takawira Gutu, a 44-year-old Air Zimbabwe employee, was driving his silver Honda Fit (registration AEJ 3435) when the terrifying ordeal unfolded.
“They tied my hands and legs with a shoelace and stabbed me. I was sure I wasn’t going to make it,” Gutu said, still in shock.
Kind gesture turns into roadside horror
The incident happened on Monday, 28 April 2025. Gutu had picked up three men and two women at the busy corner of Julius Nyerere and Robert Mugabe Roads in central Harare. Their destination? Chitungwiza.
“They looked like regular commuters,” he told officers.
“Nothing seemed suspicious.”
The first woman got off at Chinhamo turn-off. The second asked to be dropped off at the corner of Seke and Delport Roads. That’s when the situation turned.
“As I pulled over, two of the men suddenly grabbed me from behind and pressed a knife to my throat.”
They dragged him into the back seat, tied his limbs with shoelaces, and one of the attackers took the wheel. The car was driven towards Epworth.
Dumped, stabbed and left for dead
On the way, they threw out another male passenger after stealing his phone and US$7. Then, in a secluded area, they stabbed Gutu in the back and palms.
“They didn’t say a word. Just stabbed me and kept going,” he said.
He was eventually dumped along Chiremba Road near Ruwa River. Bloodied and bound, Gutu managed to crawl to a nearby house for help.
“I just prayed someone would find me in time.”
A Good Samaritan took him to ZRP Epworth to file a report.
Police confirm robbery
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.
“Police are investigating a robbery and car theft case involving a motorist who offered transport to unknown passengers,” said Insp Chakanza.
“The victim lost a Huawei Y7 phone, Samsung laptop, laptop bag, shoes, neckties, sweater, US$197 and the vehicle. Total value: US$4,500.”
“He was referred to Chitungwiza Hospital for treatment.”
Police are urging drivers not to offer lifts to strangers.
“It’s no longer safe. Even those who look harmless could be planning something,” a neighbour warned.
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The post Why You Should Think Twice Before Giving Lifts In Zimbabwe appeared first on iHarare News.
