Police Investigating Cases and Warning Public Against Boarding Unregistered Taxis
A 40-year-old woman from Mbare was raped and robbed of US$170 after boarding a Honda Fit in Harare last Friday. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of commuters who use unregistered taxis, known locally as Mushika-shika.
Police are investigating the case, which involved two men and two women who gave transport to the victim. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident and said the woman had been referred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for medical examination.
The Incident
According to police reports, the woman boarded a black Toyota Wish at Cameroon Street in Harare CBD and was travelling to Mbare National. There were four men and two women in the vehicle.
When they approached the Mupedzanhamo fleamarket, one of the male accused persons grabbed the woman’s bra and forcibly took US$170 in cash. The second accused person produced a blue towel and forced the woman to sniff it. As a result, she felt dizzy and became unconscious.
The woman later regained consciousness around 7 pm and realised that she had been raped. She felt pain and noticed sperm on her private parts. The mshika-shika gang had dumped her along Muchenje Street in Mbare National. The woman informed her husband, who advised her to report the matter to the police.
Police Warning
This case is one of many incidents that have occurred in recent months involving unregistered taxis in Harare. The police have warned the public against boarding such vehicles, commonly known as Mushika-shika, as they are often used by criminals to commit crimes.
Inspector Chakanza reiterated the warning and urged the public to be cautious when travelling and to use registered taxis. He urged anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and assist the police in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Medical Examination
The victim has since been referred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for medical examination, where she is receiving treatment and counselling. Medical examinations are crucial in cases of sexual assault, as they provide evidence that can be used in court.
The victim is receiving medical treatment and support from her family and the police, who are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has once again highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security measures to ensure the safety of commuters in Harare.