HARARE - A 20-year-old Norton man who threatened a taxi operator with a toy pistol in a hijack attempt has appeared in court.
Valentine Gengo of Nhowe Phase 1, Norton appeared before Harare magistrate Sandra Mupindu facing attempted robbery charges.
The State alleged that on November 29, Gengo approached Clive Tawanda Gwine who was parking his Toyota Raum at Mbuya Nehanda and Jason Moyo Streets and hired him.
He intended to travel to Westgate.
Gengo reportedly told Gwine that he was going to Phillip Chiyangwa’s Divaris Makaharis School in Bluffhill and agreed on a $10 fare.
Upon reaching the school, Gengo pretended to be confused and instructed Gwine to make a U-turn. The latter complied.
While driving along Lavenham Road, Gengo allegedly produced a toy pistol and ordered Gwine to leave the car.
Gwine did not comply and started speeding, the court heard.
It is further alleged Gengo then held the gear lever of the car and pulled it to neutral.
A fight ensued and Gwine grabbed the pistol and threw it outside the car, the court heard.
Gengo is alleged to have jumped out of the moving vehicle while Gwine pursued and apprehended him.
The former allegedly bit Gwine’s left hand finger and sped off, only to be caught by other members of the public who had witnessed the incident.
Gwine returned to the scene, searched the surrounds and recovered the toy pistol.
