A FORMER Didi driver was sentenced to death by Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court last week for robbing and killing a female passenger.

The court verdict showed the app-based cab driver, Pan Tujin, masterminded the robbery by forging license plates and carrying a fruit knife and masks in his car.

On the night of May 2, 2016, Pan gave a ride to a 24-year-old teacher surnamed Zhong who wanted to return to her school in Shajing, Bao’an District, from Nanshan. When they were near Nantou Checkpoint, Pan forced her to transfer 5,000 yuan (US$724) and 2,000 yuan from her mobile phone to his WeChat and Alipay accounts, respectively. Shortly after she transferred the money, a police car drove past and she cried for help, so Pan stabbed her in the neck repeatedly. Pan fled after dumping her body in the bushes on the side of Tongle Road.

Using a photo that Zhong had sent to her family, police were able to locate the car in Bao’an District as well as the woman’s body. One day later, Pan, 24, was caught in a rental apartment. He has admitted to robbing and killing Zhong.  (Han Ximin)