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- Unlicensed kombi driver evades roadblock
- Drives off with cop hanging from window
Plaxcedes Hove Court Reporter—
A BULAWAYO police officer was injured after an unlicensed commuter omnibus driver sped from a roadblock dragging the hapless officer along after his arm got trapped inside the vehicle. Police had to use a brick to break the window and rescue the officer who was trapped trying to snatch keys from the ignition.The incident occurred along Luveve Road on Monday at around 9AM.
Before subjecting the officer to the harrowing experience, Sethulelwe Bhebhe, 23, allegedly shot through a red robot at Entumbane Complex.
He sent officers at a joint roadblock mounted by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara), police and the City Council at Nguboyenja Flyover scurrying for cover when he ignored orders to stop.
Bhebhe hit the cones that had been placed on the road to direct traffic and sent them flying to the side of the road.
Yesterday, he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Themba Chimiso charged with reckless driving and driving without a licence.
Bhebhe was remanded in custody to today for the state to add another charge of driving through a red robot.
Prosecuting, Whatmore Tembo said Bhebhe was hired to drive a commuter omnibus but he had no licence.
“The owner of the commuter omnibus is likely to be arrested also for hiring an unlicensed man to operate his kombi. The traffic law does not allow people to drive without licences,” he said.
The court heard that on Monday at around 9AM along Luveve road, Bhebhe was driving a public service vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
He drove through a red robot and was spotted by police officers who signalled him to stop but he refused and drove past.
Bhebhe approached a joint operation roadblock.
He was again stopped by police officers.
While he was being attended by the officers he drove off.
“One of the police officers at the roadblock tried to take the keys from the ignition but Bhebhe rolled up his window and drove off with the officer,” said Tembo.
Bhebhe pleaded guilty to the charges.
“I admit to all the charges that are levelled against me. It all happened yesterday,” he said.
The magistrate said that the state is supposed to add another charge of proceeding through a red robot.
Online Reporter