Duo brutally assaults cop, face attempted murder

Tinofara Chiwanza
Post Reporter

TWO men were last week arraigned before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of attempted murder after they allegedly brutally assaulted a police officer.

The suspects – Malvern Janaro (27) and Tangisai Mwareni (36) – are facing attempted murder charges as defined in Section 189 (1), as read with section 47 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Mutare magistrate, Mr Lawrence Mubvumbi, presided over the matter, while Ms Mazvita Kadenha prosecuted.

The two appeared in court last Wednesday, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

They were remanded in custody to March 12 for sentencing.

“On February 10, Constable Munyaradzi Mugadza was on duty at Gomorefu High School, in the company of Constable Siphelani Mapfunde, providing security during a sports competition, when Sarudzai Mwareni, the mother of Malvern Janaro, assaulted one of the learners, Belinda Mujiri, accusing her of destroying her son’s marriage. This led to the police intervention and arrested her.”

Constable Mugadza was brutally attacked by two men, who are now facing charges of attempted murder.

“However, Janaro and Mwareni, who are also Sarudzai’s brothers were not amused by the development, became aggressive, demanding her release. The police decided to take Sarudzai to a classroom to administer the case. The accused persons were drawing in a lot of people to the scene, and the police officers opted to use a bus to manage the situation. Janaro incited the gathered crowd to eject the police officers from the bus. He followed Constable Mugadza down the stairs, and struck him on the head with a metal rod, leaving him unconscious.

“One or both of them unlawfully expedited Sarudzai to escape from the lawful custody of Constable Mugadza who had lawfully arrested her. The accused persons got into the bus, and took Sarudzai out. They escaped from the scene. Constable Mugadza was rushed to Mweyamutsvene Clinic where he was admitted, and later regained consciousness,” said Ms Kadenha.

Constable Mugadza suffered severe injuries, including permanent scars.

He later testified in court, describing the brutal attack and its aftermath.

“It was a 25x25mm metal rod that hit me on my head and left me unconscious. I just woke up in hospital,” he said, adding that the attack, not only left him physically injured, but also emotionally traumatised.

“As a result of the permanent scars, my work reputation was tarnished. I was degraded in my work as police office. I lost US$150 in medication and other bills,” he said.