A NDOLA taxi driver yesterday told a magistrate's court that thieves who booked his car squeezed his neck before kicking him out and driving off.

Benjamin Chonde, 22, of Lubuto Township told Ndola Magistrate Phumulo Mubita that the two men booked his taxi from Masala Township to Kansenshi on January 3, this year around 22:00 when it was raining heavily.

He was testifying in case in which Abute Musonda, 40, of 2544 Chifubu Township is charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

Musonda is alleged to have jointly with an unknown person stolen a Toyota Corolla registration ACP 7299 valued at KR30,000 belonging to Baxter Chifundila.

Musonda's alleged accomplice has not been found.

Mr Chonde testified yesterday that the accused with his unknown friend on their way to Kansenshi asked him to stop because he wanted to make a phone call.

"After making the call, I was pushed out of the vehicle on Kabompo Road, Musonda and his friend jointly squeezed my neck and later drove

the vehicle away.

"I started chasing them, while I was shouting thief, thief! Until traffic patrol stopped and took me to Kansenshi Police Post where I reported the case," he said.

The magistrate adjourned the case to February 18, this year for continued trial and the accused is remanded in custody.