Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A 29-YEAR-OLD pirate taxi driver whose video went viral on social media platforms for assaulting a policeman in Mutare in July has been jailed for 12 months.
According to police, Brendon Tsakatsa of Chikanga was sentenced to 10 months in prison for assaulting the police officer, one month for carrying passengers without an operator’s licence and one month for theft of a police baton.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and conviction in a statement.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police X-Handle post on July 4, 2026, regarding the arrest of a mushika-shika driver whose video assaulting a police officer went viral on social media,” he said.
“The ZRP reports that the accused person, Brendon Tsakatsa (29), appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, where he was convicted and sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for assaulting the police officer, one month’s imprisonment for carrying passengers without an operator’s licence and one month’s imprisonment for theft of a police baton stick.”
Tsakatsa was arrested after he was captured in a video that went viral on social media platforms, assaulting a policeman in uniform at a city service station.
Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists and the public to comply with the police at all times during the execution of their duties.
“Police strongly warn kombi and pirate taxi operators as well as all members of the public against assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers in the lawful execution of their duties,” he said.
“Such conduct constitutes a criminal offence and offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts without fear or favour.
“Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and where they have grievances regarding police conduct, to seek redress through established channels rather than resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.”
