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Crime Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested an armed robber believed to be the ringleader of a group of criminals that was targeting taxi drivers in and around the city after luring them with food and drinks. Thembani Nalithi was arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Vehicle Theft Squad detectives after investigations.

Criminal Investigation Department spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho confirmed the arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to thank members of the public for providing information, which led to the arrest of an outstanding suspect for cases of theft of Motor Vehicles.

“The suspect, Thembani Nalithi, is a member of a criminal gang of three that had been targeting taxi drivers whom they robbed of their motor vehicles,” she said.

His accomplices -Tichaona Matanga and Bright Tatenda Kamuteku – were recently arrested by police and they have since appeared in court on the same charges.

Detective Asst Insp Chinho said on June 13 at around 7pm, Nalithi hired one complainant who operates a Honda Fit as a pirate taxi from Domboshava Showgrounds to Hellensvale Shops, Borrowdale, Harare.
They agreed on a fee of $50, which he promised to pay on arrival at the shops.

When they arrived in the Hellensvale area, Nalithi directed the driver to a certain house, which was still under construction and they met his two other accomplices.

It is alleged that Nalithi went back to the complainant and told him to drive to Hellensvale Shops where he wanted to collect the money to pay the fare.

“When they arrived at the shops, the suspect bought sausage meat, which he started roasting on a braai stand before joining the complainant who was in the motor vehicle. The suspect informed complainant that he had decided to braai some meat for the two of them.

“After a few minutes, the suspect asked the complainant to collect the meat and he complied leaving the car keys in the ignition.

“The complainant returned a few moments later with the meat and discovered that the suspect had disappeared with his vehicle,” Detective Asst Insp Chinho said.

A report was then made to the police. Nalithi is still assisting police with investigations. Police have since urged motorist not to carry strangers and entrusting them with their cars.

“Pirate taxi drivers are urged to vet their clients before offering them services and if they have any suspicion, they should not render such services to them.
“Vehicle owners are also encouraged to install anti hijack alarm systems and tracking devices on their vehicles as a deterrent measure,” Detective Asst Insp Chinho said.