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Prosper Dembedza Court Correspondent
Thirty-eight people, among them touts and commuter omnibus drivers, yesterday appeared in court for allegedly assaulting Harare Municipal police officers who were enforcing traffic by-laws.
Tinashe Chimbidzai (19), Tobias Tawengwa (26), Amos Nyamayaro (18), Innocent Mavhuto (19), Bothwell Nyamajiva (27) and 33 others were charged with public violence when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe.
The matter was deferred to May 27 for trial.
Allegations are that on January 3 at around 4pm, Harare Municipal police officers were enforcing traffic by-laws under an operation code named “Scorpion” meant to clear illegal passenger pick-up points popularly known as Mishikashika at corner Julius Nyerere Way and Robson Manyika.
The court heard that the municipal cops numbering 10 were using a Harare City Council vehicle when they were dropped at corner Julius Nyerere way and Robson Manyika.
It is the state’s case that during the operation, the 38 who were members of the public, touts and commuter omnibus drivers, resisted the said operation and teamed up to attack the municipal cops using stones, cardboard boxes, various metal objects and their hands.
The municipal cops sustained injuries all over their bodies and sought medical treatment at Parerenyatwa Hospital.
It is alleged that the 38 were arrested by police in the vicinity of the scene of attack after they were positively identified by various witnesses.
Online Reporter