A 27-year-old man has been fined US$105 or faces 10 days in jail for indecent assault after he fondled a female passenger’s breasts in an illegal pirate taxi (mushika-shika).

Richard Musundura, of Vengere suburb in Rusape, was convicted by Magistrate Tendai Mahwe for this offence against a 22-year-old woman who was asking for her change.

The incident occurred on February 27, 2026, when the woman boarded an unregistered taxi driven by Musundura’s friend.

After an argument over her change, Musundura took control of the vehicle, drove to a secluded area, and indecently assaulted the woman.

The victim was eventually rescued by the driver’s wife, who unlocked the vehicle and provided her with money for transport. Musundura was arrested after the woman reported the incident to the police.

Musundura, who was representing himself in court, pleaded guilty to the offence. Magistrate Mahwe sentenced him to pay US$105 or serve 10 days in prison.

Prosecutor Rutendo Nyamwanza told the court that when they reached her destination, the complainant paid US$1 and requested her change of ZiG20 (US$0.50). The driver failed to give her the change, leading to an argument.

Other passengers exited the taxi, and Musundura took the wheel, driving to the Hide Out Bar Complex and later to the UVE Section without the complainant’s consent.

While in the secluded area, Musundura hugged the complainant with one hand and caressed her breasts with the other.

Despite her attempts to push him away, he overpowered her. She began to cry, prompting him to stop.

Musundura then drove her to his friend’s house, where she was locked in the car. Fortunately, the friend’s wife rescued her by unlocking the vehicle and providing her with US$1 for transport.

The complainant subsequently boarded a kombi and reported the incident at the Rusape Central Police Station, which led to Musundura’s arrest.

More: The Manica Post