top of page
CMT Jan 25.gif

Man posing as a minicab driver jailed for NINE YEARS after kidnapping woman in Central London


Image credit: Met Police

A man who posed as a private hire driver before kidnapping a woman in central London has been jailed following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.


Isaac Mabwa, 33, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday 29 November. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

He was previously found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence at Harrow Crown Court on Tuesday 24 August.


In the early hours of 8 May 2017, Mabwa was driving a hire car through central London when he came across a woman who was walking on Euston Road. He stopped his car and offered the woman a lift home.


Believing he was driving a taxi or minicab, the 25-year-old victim got into the car, however she quickly realised something was wrong when Mabwa began driving in the opposite direction away from her home.

During the journey the victim tried to get out of the vehicle several times, but Mabwa stopped her from doing so. She was able to message her boyfriend and a friend and also sent them her location.


After approximately 90 minutes, Mabwa stopped at an unlit car park and the victim began to scream. These screams were heard by a member of the public and the victim was able to escape from the car.


Mabwa left the car park and was detained by officers a short time later. Following a complex and lengthy investigation, he was charged in April 2020.

Detective Constable Natalie Witt, who worked on the investigation, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the young woman involved who was targeted while walking home from a night out.

"Her bravery and support for the investigation means Isaac Mabwa is no longer a risk to other women, and while today is not a day to celebrate, I hope the sentence allows her some closure.

"I recognise that details of this awful crime will cause fear among the community, particularly women, and I would like to reassure you that the Met is doing everything it can to make the streets of London safer for everyone."

Subscribe to our newsletter. Receive all the latest news

Thanks for subscribing!

Already a Premium Subscriber? Log-in to access ALL Premium content here using your TaxiPoint Premium subscribed email address:

TaxiPoint_WebBanner_700x200.jpg
RENT WITH (720 x 200 px) (1).gif
Taxipoint - Web Banner - 12.24.png
IMG_2814.jpeg
Save £££ £3.50 per hour - Compressed (1).gif
1comp.gif
Taxipoint Ads -Fleet Web Banner -April 2025.jpg

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

All written and image rights are reserved by authors displayed. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

All written content Copyright of TaxiPoint 2025.

bottom of page