Knife gang members ambushed a 30-year-old InDrive taxi driver in Morningside during a routine trip, violently robbing him in the early Sunday hours. This incident exposes the escalating threat knife gangs pose to taxi operators in Bulawayo.
According to police reports, the driver was requested to pick up a female passenger from the Palace Hotel at approximately 4 a.m. Initially expecting a normal trip, the driver complied and took the passenger to her destination along Park Road. However, immediately after dropping off the passenger, the driver was suddenly ambushed by three men who emerged out of the darkness without warning.
A police source described the frightening scene: “Three men suddenly appeared from nowhere, like ghosts in the dark. They opened his car doors and flashed those nasty okapi knives. Imagine the fear.” The attackers, armed with sharp knives, quickly threatened the driver into silence, leaving him powerless to resist.
The robbers ransacked the vehicle, stealing several valuables belonging to the driver, including a Huawei P40 cellphone, a small bag, US$90 in cash, a modulator, and surprisingly, a 5-litre container of engine oil. The assault left the driver shaken and traumatized, though fortunately, no physical injuries were reported.
The psychological impact, however, is significant. Taxi drivers like this victim often face intense stress and anxiety after such incidents, which can affect their ability to work and their overall wellbeing.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele condemned the attack and issued a strong warning to all taxi drivers operating in the city. She urged them to be vigilant about the passengers they pick up and to take precautionary measures to protect themselves against similar violent incidents.
“We appeal to taxi drivers to be careful of the people they engage. These criminals are targeting you,” Inspector Msebele said. She strongly recommended the installation of tracking devices in taxis to enhance safety and enable swift police intervention when needed.
Inspector Msebele also appealed to the public for assistance in apprehending the perpetrators, stating, “We appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons to come forward and assist with our investigations.”
Despite efforts, as of the latest updates, no arrests have been made regarding the incident.
This incident is part of a worrying trend of increasing knife gang violence targeting taxi drivers across Bulawayo. These criminals often strike under the cover of darkness, exploiting the vulnerability of drivers working late shifts or during early mornings.
Knife gangs frequently use weapons such as okapi knives to intimidate and overpower their victims, making these attacks especially dangerous. Many drivers work long hours to earn a living and often have limited means of defending themselves, leaving them easy targets.
For many taxi drivers, their vehicles represent not only a means of income but their livelihood and future. The trauma inflicted by knife gang attacks goes beyond the immediate loss of property—it affects their mental health and sense of safety.
Many drivers report ongoing fears and anxiety, sometimes leading them to avoid working at night or taking certain routes, which can reduce their earnings. The psychological toll can be as damaging as physical harm, contributing to long-term stress and decreased quality of life.
Knife Gang Attack Leaves InDrive Taxi Driver Traumatized in Bulawayo
Following this latest attack, calls have intensified for enhanced safety measures to protect taxi drivers and other vulnerable workers in Bulawayo. Suggested interventions include:
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Installing GPS tracking and emergency alert systems in all taxis.
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Increasing police patrols in known crime hotspots, especially during late-night hours.
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Launching community policing initiatives to encourage public vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious behavior.
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Educating drivers on safety protocols and strategies to reduce risk when dealing with passengers.
Police continue to seek help from the public to solve this case and prevent future crimes. Inspector Msebele emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the knife gang members involved to come forward.
Taxi associations and community leaders have also voiced concern over the safety of drivers, calling for stronger law enforcement presence and support systems to protect those who provide essential transport services.
The attack on the Morningside-based InDrive driver is a stark reminder of the persistent and growing threat posed by knife gangs in Bulawayo. As criminals continue to target vulnerable taxi drivers, the need for heightened security, driver awareness, and community support has never been more urgent.
For the driver involved, the incident has left lasting trauma and financial loss, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to protect taxi operators from violent crime. With vigilance and stronger preventive measures, it is hoped that such knife gang attacks can be reduced, allowing taxi drivers to work without fear on Bulawayo’s streets.
Source-Bulawayo24
