Three Harare women are facing serious charges after allegedly hijacking a vehicle, sexually assaulting the driver, and robbing him. Diana Sibanda (35), Brendy Lebogang Msipa (35), and Tabeth Harris (33) appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs Tilda Mazhande, charged with aggravated indecent assault and robbery. They were remanded in custody until February 12th, with the magistrate advising them to apply for bail at the High Court.
The incident occurred on January 25th at approximately 5 am. A 20-year-old man from a Mazowe mine was driving along Leopold Takawira Street when the attack unfolded. According to State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, the complainant was slowing down to navigate a pothole near the corner of Fife Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street when Sibanda seized the opportunity.
Sibanda allegedly forced open the passenger door of the complainant’s vehicle and grabbed the gear lever, preventing him from driving away. She then swiftly snatched his Samsung Note 20 Ultra from the car’s armrest. A car behind them honked, causing the complainant to pull over.
Once stopped, Sibanda’s actions escalated. She produced a screwdriver, threatened the complainant, and ordered him to drive to a flat on Baines Avenue. The terrified complainant obeyed. Inside the flat, Msipa and Harris joined Sibanda. The court heard that Sibanda initially attempted to seduce the complainant before forcibly undressing and sexually assaulting him.
Meanwhile, Msipa and Harris demanded money. The complainant handed over US$20, but the women searched him further, stealing his iPhone 6. The ordeal continued as the trio escorted the complainant back to his car, where they searched for and stole a power bank, a phone charger, and a modulator. They then demanded a further US$100 for his release.
The complainant told them he had more money at his workplace, leading the women to force him into a taxi to his workplace. Upon arrival, they obtained a further US$80. Even after leaving his workplace, the trio continued to accompany him, making purchases in town.
Their luck ran out when the complainant spotted patrolling police officers. He immediately shouted for help, attracting their attention. Police swiftly intervened, arresting the three women and recovering some of the stolen property. The total value of the stolen items was US$103, with US$40 recovered by the police.
