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Court Reporter
Six soldiers have been arrested on allegations of assaulting touts at a rank in Harare’s central business district after forcing them to chant songs informing the public that they do not pay fares in public transport. Vitalis Munotii (30), Master Nyabani (28) , Michael Dondo (27), Esau Muganhu (28), Hardson Kakodzi (34) and Kudakwashe Musara (23) demanded money from one of the touts who gave them US$6.
The gang appeared in court last Saturday before magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo, charged with robbery.
They were remanded in custody to March 4 after prosecutor Mr Farai Gatsi opposed bail. Mr Makomo said it would not be in the interest of justice to release the gang on bail considering the gravity of their offence.
He said the State’s case is strong since there is overwhelming evidence against them.
While opposing bail Mr Gatsi said the group committed a serious offence and as public figures they should be brought to book.
In response, the six said they were proper candidates for bail adding that they did not commit the offence but Mr Makomo ruled in favour of the State and remanded them in custody.
It is the State’s case that on February 20, the gang went to Market Square bus terminus around 7pm and rounded up touts. They ordered the complainant Kenneth Ngezi, a conductor and his workmates to chant songs informing the public that they do not pay fares in public transport.
Thereafter it is alleged they demanded money from Ngezi so that they would “release” him and he gave them US$6.
They forced Ngezi to lie down before assaulting him with a baton stick, the court heard. Ngezi later escaped and reported the matter to the police leading to their arrest.
Online Reporter