A 23-year-old Beitbridge man has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison after he and an accomplice allegedly robbed a pirate taxi driver at gunpoint before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing.
Ashton Mulaudzi was convicted of robbery by the Beitbridge Magistrates' Court, which also ordered him to pay R2,000 in restitution to the complainant.
The court heard that on June 22, 2026, at about 1am, the 18-year-old complainant was operating a silver Honda Fit as a pirate taxi in the Shule-Shule area of Beitbridge when Mulaudzi and an accomplice, James Ndou, boarded the vehicle as passengers.
Upon reaching the ZCC Church area, the pair allegedly ordered the driver to stop. Prosecutors said Ndou, who is still at large, produced a pistol, pressed it against the back of the complainant's head and demanded money.
The complainant told the court he had R2,000 hidden in the vehicle's sun visor. After surrendering the cash, he was ordered into the back seat.
Related Stories
He managed to escape from the vehicle and flagged down a passing motorist for assistance.
The robbers attempted to drive away but abandoned the Honda Fit after struggling to move it because it had been left in gear. They fled in different directions.
Mulaudzi was later arrested with the assistance of members of the neighbourhood watch committee, while Ndou remains on the run.
The stolen vehicle was recovered.
The magistrate sentenced Mulaudzi to 10 years' imprisonment. Four years were suspended, while a further four years were suspended on condition that he pays R2,000 in restitution to the complainant through the Clerk of Court.
He will serve an effective four-year prison term.
Leave Comments