Harare’s streets, once bustling with the familiar hum of commerce and the rhythm of daily life, are now gripped by a palpable fear. The notorious “mushikashika” – pirate taxis – have become a breeding ground for a new wave of crime, leaving residents on edge and authorities scrambling for solutions.
Two suspected robbers, Leon Hunda (32) and Joe Kunaka (27), appeared in court on Tuesday, facing charges of robbery, their alleged reign of terror on unsuspecting passengers finally coming to a head. The pair, accused of preying on those seeking rides in these unlicensed vehicles, have sent a shiver down the spines of many Harare residents.
The charges against Hunda and Kunaka are serious, reflecting a growing trend of lawlessness that has gripped the city. The State alleges that on June 22nd, 2024, a man boarded the duo’s white Toyota Probox, hoping for a quick and convenient ride to town. Instead, he found himself trapped in a nightmare.
“Upon entering the car, he was made to sit in the middle of two accused persons who were occupying the back seat,” the State revealed in court. “While on their way, one of the accused persons produced a pistol and the other one produced a knife and he was asked to surrender all his belongings. They took away his cell phone and US$926 cash that was in his pocket and soon after that pressed his head down so that he could not see where they were heading to.”
The chilling details of the attack paint a grim picture of the audacity of the suspects, their actions a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those who rely on these unregulated transport services. The victim, robbed of his possessions and left shaken, was dumped along Harare Drive, the memory of the ordeal likely to haunt him for a long time.
The alleged crimes didn’t stop there. On July 10th, another victim boarded a white vehicle, this time in the Braeside area, hoping for a safe trip to Mbare. She, too, was forced to endure a terrifying ordeal.
“She was made to sit in the middle of two accused persons who were occupying the back seat and along the way, one of the accused persons produced a knife and pointed it to the complainant, while demanding her belongings,” the State recounted. “Fearing for her life, she surrendered her cellphone and was later dumped along Chiremba Road, Braeside area, Harare. The accused persons sped off leaving the complainant at the scene and she proceeded to ZRP Braeside where she made a report.”
The brazenness of the attacks, coupled with the fact that they were committed in broad daylight, has left many questioning the safety of public transport in Harare. The city, once known for its vibrant spirit and sense of community, is now grappling with a growing sense of unease.
The arrest of Hunda and Kunaka, while a welcome development, is not a panacea for the city’s woes. The arrest of another suspect, Ruvarashe Mahachi, who was found in possession of a stolen cellphone, further underscores the network of individuals involved in this criminal enterprise. Mahachi, in turn, implicated Enock Muranganwa, who led detectives to Mutyineripi Rambanapasi, a cell phone dealer.
The investigation took an unexpected turn when detectives spotted Hunda in the company of Joe Kunaka, seated in a white Toyota Probox. The sight of the suspects, coupled with the knowledge of their alleged crimes, prompted a swift response. Hunda, sensing danger, attempted to flee, but was shot in the leg during the arrest.
The recovery of stolen property, including cellphones, is a glimmer of hope in this dark situation, but it also highlights the pervasiveness of the problem. The crimes committed by these suspects are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a larger pattern of criminal activity that has taken root in Harare.
