Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – December 3, 2024

A kombi crew operating in Bulawayo under Bupta has been brought before the courts after allegedly kidnapping a 23-year-old woman, assaulting her, and threatening her over accusations of stealing a cellphone.

The accused, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (35) and Proud Mpofu (20), both from Queens Park West suburb, appeared yesterday before Regional Magistrate Mrs. Dambudzo Malunga to face charges of kidnapping and assault. They both denied the allegations.

According to the State’s case, the incident occurred on November 18 at around 4 p.m. along 1st Avenue, opposite Bulawayo Prison. The suspects are alleged to have forced Ms. Nokunqoba Nwane to disembark from another vehicle she was in, after accusing her of stealing a cellphone, and board their kombi against her will.

Prosecutor Mr. Owen Mugari told the court that the duo drove Ms. Nwane to Woodville suburb and then back to town without her consent. During the return journey, she allegedly attempted to escape but was forced back into the vehicle and struck with the door on her left side.

Ms. Nwane eventually managed to escape and reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Ndlovu and Mpofu.

In their defense, the accused denied the allegations, claiming they only sought to confront Ms. Nwane regarding the alleged theft of Mpofu’s cellphone, which they say occurred during a previous encounter.

“The complainant consented to getting into our vehicle, and we had a civil conversation with her,” Ndlovu said in court. “She expressed no