Kombi driver on the run, wanted for role in January demos

News Reporter

A WELL-known taxi driver from Bulawayo is reportedly on the run after skipping bail for a case on his involvement in the January 13 violent demonstrations that’s saw dozens of shops destroyed and looted by the marauding demonstrators.

The protests, that were organized by the opposition, MDC Alliance saw companies and individuals lose their properties to the marauding demonstrators.

Leroy Lungani Nyoni who was operating from the popular illegal taxi rank along 6th Avenue in the city was out on bail to answer charges of inciting public violence as related to the January demonstrations.

Nyoni who had been appearing in court through summons over his role played during the protests had initially sneaked out of the country to neighbouring South Africa in June but was part of the group that returned to the country after the Xenophobic attacks that rocked the Southern African nation in September.

However, he failed to appear for his routine court appearance with a warrant of arrest being immediately opened against him.

Investigations by this publication revealed that Nyoni had been attacked by unknown assailants who he claimed were members of the ruling party Zanu-PF who were baying for his blood after the January protests.

“Leroy was part of a group of taxi drivers and touts operating along 6th Avenue who openly declared their disdain for the ruling party. In the runup to the demonstrations they were in the forefront of calling on people to participate in the demonstrations.

“They were thus targeted for this role leading to their eventual arrest, however it was difficult to prove their role because there was no one willing to come and stand witness hence his appearance in court on summons,” said a source.

According to court papers in this publication’s possession, Nyoni, who is also a member of both the MDC Alliance and the radical Mthwakazi Republic Party stands accused of inciting the violent demonstrations, a charge which he pleaded not guilty to.

During the demonstrations, ordinary businesses became the biggest targets of attacks, resulting in the loss of goods, income, jobs and shops which were vandalised

Numerous individuals were arrested and convicted for their role in the protests with some escaping to neighbouring South Africa fearing arrest for the roles they played in the protest.