Honda Fit Driver Wanted After Beating Passenger To Death Over 20 ZiG Change In Ruwa

Passenger Beaten To Death Over 20 ZiG Taxi Change

A Harare Honda Fit driver, suspected of operating as an illegal taxi or mshika-shika, is being hunted by police after a passenger tragically died following a brutal assault. The violent incident was sparked by a dispute over a mere 20 ZiG in change, an amount equivalent to just US$0.50 (approximately R9). The altercation occurred in Ruwa on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, turning a routine journey into a deadly encounter.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed they are investigating a case of murder. According to the police report, the victim, Amos Karumba, aged 40, had boarded the vehicle operated by the suspect, identified as Luckman Kamangile, aged 27. The suspect is believed to have been operating his Honda Fit as an illegal mshika-shika taxi, though this is not explicitly stated in the official police report. The journey was a short one, from the George area of Ruwa to the Walter Mukamba area.

A Fatal Fare Dispute

The trouble began after the journey was complete. Karumba had paid his fare with a US$1 bill (approximately R18). The fare dispute with the suspected mshika-shika driver centred on the currency conversion for the change, a small sum of 20 ZiG (US$0.50, approximately R9). A police statement detailed the sequence of events, stating:

The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim Amos Karumba (40) with open hands following a dispute over ZiG 20 change. The victim had boarded the suspect’s vehicle from George area, Ruwa to Walter Mukamba and paid USD 1.00 fare.

Following the physical altercation, Karumba returned to his home. Tragically, he did not recover from the injuries sustained in the attack. The police report somberly noted, “The victim succumbed to the injuries while sleeping at home.” The exact nature of the injuries that led to his death has not been publicly disclosed.

A Second Tragedy In Masvingo

In a separate and equally tragic incident, police in Masvingo have made an arrest in another murder case. This event occurred a day after the Ruwa attack, on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at the Mackyey Compound in Mkwasine. The suspect, Kainos Masekesa, aged 32, is accused of murdering his wife.

The violence was reportedly triggered by a domestic dispute. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the argument centred on allegations of infidelity. The police account of the event is harrowing:

Kainos Masekesa (32) was arrested in connection with a case of murder in which he attacked his wife, Trish Sithembile Masaiti (20) with fists, logs and a hoe following a domestic dispute over infidelity.

The attack, which involved multiple weapons, proved fatal for the 20-year-old woman. Her death marks another instance of alleged gender-based violence with a devastating outcome. Police confirmed that Masekesa was arrested in connection with the crime.

Police Investigations Continue

Authorities are actively pursuing Luckman Kamangile in connection with the Ruwa murder. The investigation will seek to establish the full circumstances leading to Amos Karumba’s death, including the exact nature of the suspect’s taxi operation. Meanwhile, Kainos Masekesa remains in custody and is expected to appear in court to face a murder charge. These two unrelated incidents, occurring within days of each other, have brought the issue of violent crime sharply into focus.