Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
A 41-year-old man from Rangemore, Bulawayo, is lucky to be alive after a road rage altercation with three unknown men escalated into a dangerous confrontation involving pepper spray, vandalism and gun fire.
According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on August 12, the incident occurred around Saturday, August 10, along Josephine Road in Rangemore. The victim was driving his white Honda Civic home when he encountered a silver Toyota Noah with three occupants going in the opposite direction.
“The accused person’s vehicle front lights flashed at the complainant, and the complainant flashed his motor vehicle lights in return,” the statement read.
The situation escalated when one of the suspects allegedly shouted insults at the victim through their car window. The victim insulted them back and continued his journey.
“The accused persons immediately made a U-turn and chased after the complainant,” said ZRP Bulawayo’s Press and Public Relations Officer, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. When they caught up with him, they sprayed his face with pepper spray.
The victim reportedly drove to a nearby friend’s house and parked his car. However, the attackers still followed him. As he tried to escape on foot, they reportedly hit him on his left shoulder with their car. He managed to flee and hide in a nearby bush.
The suspects are said to have vandalised his car, smashing windows and car lights using bricks. They allegedly used a knife to puncture the wheels.
“They opened the car bonnet and removed a 12-volt battery. They then grabbed the complainant’s friend by the hand demanding that he show them the complainant’s place of residence, ” Inspector Msebele said.
One of the accused produced a pistol and fired a shot into the air, demanding the complainant to come out to save his friend.
The suspects then drove away after threatening the complainant’s friend that they would return.
A police report was made, and investigations are underway.
“We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands,” said Inspector Msebele. “Always respect other road users, obey the law.”
The ZRP is appealing to anyone with information that may assist in identifying and arresting the suspects to come forward.
