Danisa Masuku Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO kombi driver accused of kidnapping two police officers and dumping a female officer in a bushy area has claimed that the officers demanded US$150 from him to secure his release after he was arrested for a traffic offence.
Limukani Ndlovu (44), of Old Magwegwe suburb, made the allegations through his lawyer, Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Legal Practitioners, when he appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mutiro yesterday.
Ndlovu is facing two counts of kidnapping and one count of assault, charges he is denying. The matter was postponed to November 16 for continuation of trial.
In his defence, Mr Madzivire told the court that his client did not kidnap or unlawfully detain the two police officers, arguing that they had entered his vehicle and demanded money from him.
“The accused neither kidnapped nor unlawfully detained both complainants. The allegations are a pure fabrication motivated by malice. While driving, three people entered his vehicle and advised him that he was under arrest,” he said.
Mr Madzivire alleged that the officers told Ndlovu to drive to Drill Hall Police Station, but demanded money along the way in exchange for his release.
He said the officers continued demanding US$150 after they arrived at the police facility, but his client refused to pay.
According to the defence, Ndlovu became suspicious of the officers because they were wearing civilian clothes and had not impounded his vehicle or asked him to accompany them into the police station.
Mr Madzivire said his client eventually drove away after waiting for almost an hour, alleging that the officers jumped into the moving vehicle.
He further claimed that the officers continued threatening and demanding money from Ndlovu before asking to be dropped off.
“The accused person, knowing his rights, denied complying with the unlawful request and thus drove towards his homestead. The officers thereafter requested to be dropped off and he did so,” he said.
Mr Madzivire also denied that his client assaulted Constable Lydia Runoza, arguing that the medical affidavit did not support the allegations.
He accused the complainants of fabricating the charges in retaliation for Ndlovu’s refusal to pay the alleged bribe.
Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari told the court that Ndlovu was arrested on February 21 shortly before midday, for dropping passengers at an undesignated point in Bulawayo’s city centre.
The court heard that Ndlovu was driving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter public service vehicle that was allegedly operating without a certificate of fitness.
Mr Mugari said police officers decided to take the vehicle to the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) depot for examination and instructed Constables Runoza and Leonard Kaseke to escort it there.
The two officers boarded the vehicle and directed Ndlovu to drive to the depot.
However, the State alleges that Ndlovu diverted from the agreed route and drove towards the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
He allegedly turned right after Umguza Tollgate and proceeded along an unidentified road for about 10km.
The court heard that Const Kaseke jumped out of the moving vehicle, leaving Const Runoza in the front passenger seat.
Mr Mugari said Ndlovu drove for another 100 metres before stopping.
He allegedly grabbed Const Runoza by the neck, pushed her against the seat before opening the passenger door and forcing her out of the vehicle.
Ndlovu allegedly drove away, leaving the officer in the bushy area.
Const Runoza sustained a bruised neck and was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for examination and treatment.
