Kombi crew kidnaps woman, kills baby

By Mercy Ngwebvu

FOUR unknown assailants allegedly kidnapped a Harare woman and her baby before driving them to Nyazura where they are suspected to have murdered the baby for ritual purposes last week.

Deputy Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luxson Chananda, said Shingirai Njera (25) boarded a Toyota Hiace, with her baby strapped on her back at Corner Chinhoyi Street and Samora Machel Avenue in Harare with the intention of going to Kambuzuma to visit her parents.

“When she boarded the vehicle, it was around 9pm and there were four men aboard. The driver of the vehicle pretended to go to Kambuzuma, but immediately changed directions after a few minutes’ drive. He drove towards Msasa Park.

“When she asked why they had changed directions, one of them suddenly produced a pistol and ordered her to keep quiet. He instructed her to abide by their instructions. He then ordered her to drink an unknown substance which was in a plastic bottle. When she finished drinking the substance, she became unconscious,” said Asst Insp Chananda.

He said Njera only woke up the following day at around 5pm and discovered that she was in a bush. The four men had dumped her and her child near Bridgestore in Nyazura. The confused Njera saw her child lying next to her, naked and dead.

Njera was later assisted by Gibson Muzandaka who then took her to the police to make a report. Investigations are in progress. Manica Post