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Fungai Jachi Court Correspondent
A Harare man allegedly connived with his wife to pretend that she was in love with a 45-year-old man who they kidnapped.

They also confiscated his Jeep Cherokee worth $45 000. Keostepile Dube (32) and Ruvimbo Chitiyo (25) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo charged with kidnapping.

Dube was remanded in custody, while Chitiyo was granted bail by the High Court. They are expected back in court today for trial continuation.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Kachirika alleged that on September 16 this year, Dube and Chitiyo approached Mr Taurai Munikwa and accused him of having an affair with Chitiyo.

The court heard that the couple took Mr Munikwa to their house.

It is alleged that upon arrival, Dube pushed Mr Munikwa into the house and locked the door from inside and gave the keys to Chitiyo who was standing outside.

Dube allegedly declared to Mr Munikwa that he was a trained soldier and was going to teach him a lesson.

It is the State’s case that Dube went on to open a tool box where he took a rope and a chain.

Dube allegedly tied Mr Munikwa’s hands and legs before he struck him with the chain.

The court heard that Mr Munikwa offered Dube money to save his life after he was struck by the chain on his head.

Dube forced Mr Munikwa to write a confession which stated that he would pay him $5 320 of which $5 000 was for damages for having an affair with his wife.

It is further alleged that Dube and Chitiyo went on to confiscate Mr Munikwa’s Jeep Cherokee worth $45 000 as surety for payment.

The couple was arrested after a trap was set for them on the day they intended to collect part of the money at Mr Munikwa’s house.