Ex-cop tries to escape at courts

custody at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts last Wednesday.
Patrick Maguraushe (24) appeared before magistrate Ms Shelly Zvenyika after he failed to escape.
He was subsequently remanded in custody to August 2.

The State alleges that that on July 17 this year Maguraushe, who had earlier been discharged from the police force, was patrolling the Roadport Bus Terminus in the city clad in police uniform.
Maguraushe allegedly approached Courage Maunde who was changing money at the bus terminus.
It is alleged that Maguraushe told Maunde that he was under arrest for the offence of “obstruction” under the Harare municipality by-laws as his activities were prohibited at the bus terminus.

Maguraushe allegedly demanded Maunde to hand over everything he had.
Maunde reportedly gave Maguraushe R10 000 and a 5030 Nokia cell phone.

It is further alleged that Maguraushe escorted his suspect to Harare Central Police Station where he ordered him to sit in the charge office behind the counter.
Maguraushe used to be stationed at the police station when he was still serving.

He took advantage of his familiarity with the building and walked towards the exit, leaving Maunde behind the counter with unsuspecting policemen on duty, it is alleged. Maunde sensing that he had been duped raised alarm prompting two policemen on duty to give a chase.

Maunde and the two cops apprehended Maguraushe.
The money and cell phone that he had allegedly stolen from Maunde were recovered.

Maguraushe tried to trick the policemen who brought him to court on Wednesday in a bid to flee.
He removed the handcuffs on his own while the policemen were busy perusing dockets and bolted towards the exit.

But the policemen gave chase while members of the public shouted “thief, thief, thief.”
Constable Ashwell Mandipezano apprehended Maguraushe at the main entrance of the building and he was put in custody.