Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
HARARE regional magistrate, Mr Clever Tsikwa, yesterday slapped one of the four suspects involved in the assault of Detective Superintendent Alexander Jachi, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department’s Homicide section in Harare, with a $300 fine.
The attack, which occurred on September 30, 2023, also saw Det Supt Jachi losing US$140 and his service pistol to the suspects.
Sydney Rande was convicted of assault, while his three co-defendants — Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, and Simbarashe Steven Ota — were acquitted.
Initially, Rande received a 12-month jail sentence, which was suspended upon payment of the US$300 fine.
The court heard that on the day of the incident, Det Supt Jachi was driving his gold Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to his residence in Chitungwiza. As he approached Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, he noticed a silver VW Polo and a red Honda Fit trailing him.
When the red car blocked his path, he attempted to continue driving.
Realising the potential danger, Det Supt Jachi sought safety at Jongwe Corner. As he parked, Chatonzwa and Rande exited their vehicle and approached him aggressively.
When threatened, Det Supt Jachi fired a warning shot into the air using his 9mm Taurus service pistol to deter them.
Despite the warning shot, Chatonzwa advanced towards Det Supt Jachi, prompting the top cop to shoot him once in the left leg. However, Chatonzwa continued his assault, striking Det Supt Jachi with an unknown object, causing him to fall.
The other suspects joined in the assault, and Det Supt Jachi lost consciousness while bleeding.
Bystanders who tried to intervene were also attacked by the suspects. The assailants searched Det Supt Jachi, stealing his wallet containing US$140, his identity cards, and his service pistol.
They also deflated his vehicle’s tyres.
Det Supt Jachi’s personal belongings were later recovered from Chatonzwa, but the service pistol remains missing.
