Staff Reporter
A 35-year-old Beitbridge man has appeared in court on allegations of stealing a car at knifepoint and also robbing the taxi driver of cash and a cellphone.
Mashudu Mbedzi appeared before Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa on Monday to answer a charge of armed robbery.
According to prosecutor Mercy Nyathi Mbedzi hired the taxi driver Abel Mukuta to transport him to a lodge in the New Medium Density suburb.
On arrival, Mbedzi allegedly asked the driver to wait while he collected money for the fare.
He later returned with another man, identified as Tobias Tapiwa Mpofu, who is still at large.
The court heard that Mbedzi allegedly produced a knife, threatened the driver and demanded his cellphone.
Mukuta handed over a Samsung A16 handset and ZAR250 in cash before being forced out of the vehicle.
The suspects then allegedly drove away in the silver Honda Fit taxi.
Property worth about US$4,200 was reportedly stolen, while the cash has not been recovered.
Investigations by CID Beitbridge led detectives to recovery the stolen vehicle at the homestead of Beritha Muleya in Malala village under Chief Sitaudze.
Police say the accused delivered the vehicle there with another unidentified man.
The stolen cellphone was later recovered from Tafadzwa Jani, who reportedly told investigators he had bought it from the Mbedzi.
It is also alleged at the time of arrest Mbedzi was trying to sell the car at a beerhall in Beitbridge.
Mbedzi has been advised to apply for bail from the High Court.
The matter was remanded to March 5, 2026.