adminPlaxcedes Hove Chronicle Reporter
THE owner of a commuter omnibus that was allegedly spiked by police along Khami Road last month as its driver tried to evade a roadblock, appeared in court yesterday facing charges of failing to observe conditions of his road service permit.
Derek Chidemo, 31, of 31049/27 Entumbane, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Themba Chimiso, a week after the driver of his commuter omnibus Nqobile Moyo was also dragged to court for reckless driving and diverting his route.
Chidemo and Moyo both pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to April 28.
Moyo’s attempt to escape a police roadblock turned tragic after police threw spikes at his vehicle resulting in it overturning.
The incident happened on March 12 along Old Khami Road.
Witnesses told Chronicle at the time that the kombi had about 15 passengers and 13 of them were seriously injured and rushed to hospital.
An angry mob comprising kombi crews and other motorists charged at the police condemning the use of spikes saying they resulted in innocent people dying.
Last month, the National police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi, said police always prioritised public safety and were not going to use spikes as they endanger the lives of people.
Online Reporter