A routine traffic stop in Harare turned into a shocking kidnapping ordeal when a police officer was allegedly held captive by a commuter omnibus driver and his conductor. The incident has left residents stunned and raised concerns about road safety and law enforcement in the city.
The two alleged perpetrators — George Mfuka, 24, a kombi driver, and Sonchess Tafadzwa Soche, 32, his conductor — are now in custody at Harare Central Police Station, facing serious charges including kidnapping, assault, and resisting arrest.
The drama began late one afternoon when Assistant Inspector Tashinga Mashiri, operating as part of the Provincial Reaction Group alongside Constable Leeyer Mumba, noticed Mfuka committing a traffic violation. The driver was dropping passengers at an undesignated point along Julius Nyerere Way, in clear contravention of traffic regulations.
Acting on duty, Assistant Inspector Mashiri approached the kombi — registration AGP 8458 — and instructed Mfuka to disembark all passengers before proceeding. According to police reports, Mfuka refused to comply. Determined to enforce the law, Mashiri reportedly entered the vehicle to assert control.
Harare Police Officer Allegedly Kidnapped by Kombi Driver and Conductor in CBD
It was at that moment that the situation escalated dramatically. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Soche, the conductor, intervened aggressively. Before anyone could react, the kombi sped off with Mashiri still inside. Witnesses say passengers screamed in shock as the vehicle tore away, carrying the officer against his will.
The vehicle then proceeded from Robert Mugabe Road onto Simon Muzenda Street, triggering a desperate police pursuit. Constable Mumba and other reaction team members quickly mobilised in a separate police vehicle, chasing the fleeing kombi through the bustling evening traffic.
For approximately thirty minutes, the harrowing chase unfolded across Harare’s streets. The kombi navigated crowded intersections and side roads, with passengers inside the vehicle reportedly becoming increasingly distressed and fearful for their own safety. Some pleaded with the driver to stop, while others were too shocked to intervene.
The pursuit reached a climax when the kombi arrived at Chiremba Road in Eastlea. There, police vehicles managed to intercept the vehicle, bringing the terrifying ordeal to an end. Assistant Inspector Mashiri was forcibly removed from the kombi and taken to safety.
According to an official statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), both Mfuka and Soche were arrested at the scene and are now facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, assaulting a police officer, reckless driving, and obstructing police duties. Investigations are ongoing, with police examining whether other factors, such as unpaid fines or unresolved disputes, contributed to the driver’s actions.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing outrage over the audacity of the act. “It is frightening to see such blatant disrespect for law enforcement,” one Harare resident posted on X (formerly Twitter). Others questioned how such an escalation could occur from what should have been a routine traffic matter.
Police officials have condemned the actions of the kombi crew, emphasising that the conduct displayed was not only unlawful but also endangered lives. “We strongly denounce this form of behaviour,” said a senior police officer involved in the case. “Our officers risk their lives daily to maintain order, and incidents like this undermine public safety.”
The case has also raised broader concerns about the safety of traffic officers and the challenges they face while enforcing regulations in Harare’s often chaotic transport system. Public transport, especially commuter omnibuses, has long been a flashpoint for traffic violations, with drivers frequently accused of ignoring road rules, overloading, and unsafe driving practices.
Community activists have called for stricter oversight of the kombi industry, including harsher penalties for violations and better enforcement of driver conduct standards. “We need a transport system that protects commuters and law enforcement officers alike,” said one transport advocacy group.
Meanwhile, Harare police have assured the public that they are taking strong action to prevent similar incidents. They said they will step up patrols, improve response times, and enhance safety measures for officers conducting traffic duties.
For Assistant Inspector Mashiri, the ordeal will no doubt remain a vivid reminder of the risks inherent in police work. For the public, it serves as a sobering example of how quickly a routine enforcement task can turn into a dangerous confrontation.
As the investigation continues, the police are appealing for witnesses and commuters who were on Julius Nyerere Way, Simon Muzenda Street, and Chiremba Road on the day of the incident to come forward with information. Authorities say such cooperation will help ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The kidnapping of a police officer in broad daylight is a rare and troubling incident for Harare — one that has captured public attention and underscored the need for greater discipline and accountability within the public transport sector.
As Mfuka and Soche remain in custody, awaiting further charges, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of respecting the rule of law in maintaining safety on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Source- iHarare
