Theresa Zibowa

Mirror Reporter

Beatrice – A motorist who gave a lift to four suspected carjackers was robbed of his vehicle and left with both his legs and hands tied with a seat belt that the suspects had cut off from the car.

A woman that Keith Mafula (49) gave a lift was similarly tied by the carjackers.

Mashonaland East spokesperson Simon Chazovachii confirmed the incident and appealed for information that can lead to the arrest of perpetrators.

It is understood that on May 7, 2022 at around 10pm Mafula was driving a Mazda B 2500 from Serima High School going to Harare. His vehicle developed a mechanical fault when he got to Chivhu and he got a mechanic who sorted out the problem.

The mechanic later asked the complainant to give a lift to two unknown men and another two joined in. A woman, Pelagia Chivandire (30) became the fifth passenger and Mafula drove off for Harare. 

At the 20 km peg the four men asked the driver to drop them and the driver complied. Suddenly one of the accused held Mafula by the head while the other one occupied the driver’s seat. One of the suspects cut off a seat belt and tied Mafula and Chivandire. 

The suspects searched both complainants and took away business cards, Infinix phone, and US$26 from Mafula and US$70, blankets and clothes from Chivandire. They drove off leaving the two by the roadside. 

The later managed to untie themselves and proceeded to file a report at ZRP Gilstone base in Beatrice and cops attended the scene. 

“We are appealing for information that can lead to the arrest of the accused persons,” said Chivandire.