adminLetwin Mubonesi
A NATVIEW Park vendor allegedly grabbed a Mutare Municipal Police officer’s private parts before assaulting him recently.
Patson Kutamahufa appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura pleading not guilty to the charge.
The court heard that on January 28, Kutamahufa grabbed Clemence Mahomwa’s private parts before punching him twice on the chest.
Representing the State was Mr Fletcher Karombe.
“On that day at around 9am and at Natview Park, Kutamahufa grabbed Mahomwa’s private parts before assaulting him with fists following a hawker’s licence dispute.
“Mahomwa was on duty when he came across Kutamahufa selling prohibited second hand shoes without a valid hawker’s licence.
“When asked to produce the licence, Kutamahufa said the licence was at Sakubva Musika where he operates from. He was told that he was supposed to sell his second hand shoes at Sakubva and not Natview Park.
“He was informed that he was under arrest for operating without a valid hawker’s licence and was to be taken to city council’s offices in Chikanga. This did not go down well with him.
“Kutamahufa became violent and attacked Mahomwa,” said Mr Karombe.
Mahomwa sustained invisible injuries and was not medically examined.
When asked to explain his side of the story, Kutamahufa denied assaulting Mahomwa, but said the municipal cop had solicited for a $25 bribe.
Mrs Chiundura adjourned the matter to February 15 for trial.
Online Reporter