adminBongani Ndlovu Chronicle Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned commuter omnibus drivers not to run over police officers at roadblocks saying the long arm of the law will descend heavily on them.
In a statement, police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said two police officers’ lives in Harare were put in danger this month as kombi drivers refused to stop when they were flagged down at roadblocks.
She said one of the kombi drivers was in police custody while the other had been jailed for contravening the Road Traffic Act Chapter 13:11.
“Police have arrested two suspects in two separate incidents. The first incident occurred on March 5, 2014 when Munyaradzi Nyoni hit and ran over Sergeant Chineka, along Simon Mazorodze Road, with a Toyota Hiace,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said Nyoni was later arrested and convicted of six counts under the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 13:11.
“He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. In addition, Nyoni was also prohibited from driving a commuter omnibus for life,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the second incident happened last Thursday.
“The second incident occurred on March 20 where George Mugwede attempted to run over Sergeant Musonza.The accused was driving a Toyota Hiace,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said Sgt Musonza had to jump onto the bumper of the kombi, break the windscreen and switch off the engine.
She said Sgt Musonza was then assisted by other members of police who were at the roadblock to apprehend Mugwede.
“To avert death, Sergeant Musonza jumped onto the bumper of the vehicle and got hold of the side rear view mirror, before breaking the windscreen and accessed the keys thereby switching off the engine,” said Snr Asst Com Charamba.
She added: “Such recklessness will not go unpunished. As police, we therefore urge motorists and members of the public to co-operate with law enforcement agents as curbing crime is a collective responsibility.”
The police would not stand akimbo and let their members risk their lives while performing their constitutional mandate.
Online Reporter