Harare – In a chilling incident that has once again cast a spotlight on the safety of ride-hailing services, prominent Zimbabwean actor and filmmaker Trueman Chikukwa was brutally assaulted at gunpoint following a dispute with an InDrive driver. The attack, which left Chikukwa with a swollen face, occurred as he and his wife were returning home to Waterfalls from Jongwe Corner.
Chikukwa, widely recognised for his work as a producer and star in the cultural belief film “Rudo Ndimambo” alongside Simon Jamukoko, recounted the harrowing experience to H-Metro. His wife, who was also in the vehicle, managed to escape the fracas with their belongings, including their mobile phones.
The couple had ordered an InDrive Black Nissan Dayz for their journey. Before embarking, Chikukwa had taken the precaution of capturing a screenshot of the vehicle’s details from the InDrive application, a move that would later prove crucial in the police investigation. The case has since been reported to the Waterfalls Police Station.
A Routine Ride Turns Terrifying
According to Chikukwa’s statement, the ordeal began subtly before escalating into a violent robbery. “I requested InDrive from Jongwe Corner along St Patrick’s Road,” he explained. “The driver, whose name is appearing as Courage, came and picked us up and when we were inside the car, I told him that we had US$20 and did not have any loose money.”
This seemingly innocuous detail about payment quickly became a point of contention. “He then started accusing us of not telling him this before we entered the car,” Chikukwa continued. Despite the driver’s apparent displeasure, the couple handed over the US$20. However, the driver refused to provide them with their change, an early red flag that something was amiss.
The situation took a more sinister turn when the driver deviated from the expected route. “We later discovered that he had changed the route and when we asked why, he only told us that he was using the easiest way,” Chikukwa stated. This explanation, however, did not allay their growing suspicions. The driver then began speaking on his phone, advising the person on the other end that he would “be there soon,” a conversation that suggested a pre-meditated plan rather than a mere shortcut.
The Ambush and Assault
The InDrive vehicle eventually pulled up to a house where a woman and another man emerged. It was at this point that the true danger of their situation became terrifyingly clear. “The man was holding a gun and they forced us out,” Chikukwa recounted. In the ensuing chaos, his wife, with quick thinking, managed to flee with their bag containing their phones, narrowly escaping further harm.
Trueman Chikukwa, however, was not so fortunate. He was subjected to a brutal assault. “They beat me and took my wallet, which had my ID and passport,” he revealed. The actor believes the assailants were convinced he possessed more money than he did. “Vakandirova musoro, I think he thought we had more money,” he added, describing the blows to his head.
A Troubling Pattern: InDrive Safety Concerns in Zimbabwe
This incident involving Trueman Chikukwa is not an isolated event but rather part of a disturbing trend of safety concerns surrounding ride-hailing services, particularly InDrive, in Zimbabwe. Over recent months, numerous reports have emerged detailing incidents ranging from robberies and assaults to even fatalities involving both drivers and passengers.
One of the most tragic cases involved the murder of Brian Nandana, a 30-year-old InDrive driver and Solusi University graduate, in May 2026. Nandana was allegedly killed by a friend, Shephard Severa, in Harare. The details surrounding his death were particularly gruesome, with reports suggesting Severa drank Nandana’s blood before burying him in a shallow grave. This horrific incident underscored the extreme dangers that can be associated with the ride-hailing industry, not just for passengers but for drivers as well.
Another alarming incident saw a Harare-based InDrive driver losing his employer’s car after being pepper-sprayed in a violent carjacking. He was ambushed and violently robbed, highlighting the vulnerability of drivers to criminal elements. Similarly, a Bulawayo InDrive driver was attacked and robbed at knifepoint after picking up a female passenger, further illustrating the pervasive threat of violence.
Passengers have also faced significant risks. In one instance, an InDrive driver was accused of aiding robbers who attacked his passengers, though the driver later denied the allegations. There have also been reports of
bogus e-hailing service vehicle drivers who have been accused of robbing unsuspecting clients. These incidents have led authorities to urge caution when using e-hailing services, advising users to request rides through the application to ensure traceability and accountability.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has actively investigated various cases involving InDrive. In one instance, the police investigated an armed robbery where an accused person took control of an InDrive vehicle and drove off. Such occurrences have prompted police crackdowns on InDrive cars in Harare, leading to impoundments and arrests of drivers.
Concerns about InDrive’s safety have also been widely discussed on social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook. Users have shared experiences of drivers cancelling trips to avoid commission payments, reckless driving, and even fake driver identities. These discussions reflect a growing unease among the public regarding the reliability and security of the service.
The Human Cost of Unregulated Services
The surge in incidents involving InDrive drivers and passengers points to a larger issue: the potential risks associated with inadequately regulated ride-hailing services. While platforms like InDrive offer convenience and often more affordable fares, the lack of stringent vetting processes for drivers and robust safety mechanisms can leave both parties vulnerable.
For victims like Trueman Chikukwa, the physical and psychological toll can be immense. His swollen face is a stark reminder of the violence he endured, and the loss of his wallet, containing his ID and passport, adds to the immediate inconvenience and potential long-term complications. The emotional impact of such a traumatic event can linger far beyond the physical injuries.
Moreover, the incidents highlight the bravery of individuals like Chikukwa’s wife, who, despite the terrifying circumstances, managed to secure their phones, potentially preserving crucial evidence for the police investigation. Her quick thinking underscores the unpredictable nature of these encounters and the need for personal vigilance.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures
In light of these escalating concerns, there are growing calls for InDrive and other ride-hailing companies operating in Zimbabwe to implement more rigorous safety protocols. These could include enhanced background checks for drivers, mandatory in-car cameras, real-time GPS tracking accessible to passengers, and more efficient emergency response systems.
Authorities, including the ZRP, are also playing a critical role in addressing these issues. Their investigations and crackdowns, while sometimes controversial, are essential in curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety. However, a collaborative approach involving ride-hailing companies, law enforcement, and the public is necessary to create a truly secure environment.
Passengers are advised to take personal safety precautions, such as sharing their trip details with trusted contacts, verifying driver and vehicle details before entering the car, and avoiding rides where the driver deviates from the planned route without a clear and acceptable explanation. The advice from authorities to use the application for all ride requests is paramount, as it provides a digital trail that can assist in investigations.
The Road Ahead for Ride-Hailing in Zimbabwe
The attack on Trueman Chikukwa serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by the burgeoning ride-hailing industry in Zimbabwe. While these services offer significant benefits in terms of transportation accessibility, they must evolve to adequately address the safety concerns that have emerged. The balance between convenience and security is delicate, and achieving it will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
As investigations into Chikukwa’s assault continue, the hope remains that justice will be served, and that this incident, along with others, will catalyse meaningful changes to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers using ride-hailing platforms across the nation.