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A COMMUTER omnibus crew which caused a scene last week in Rusape’s Central Business District when it was involved in a high speed chase with municipal police has been arraigned before the courts facing assault charges.
The chasing which lasted for nearly an hour and drew the attention of hordes of people who wanted to have a view of the melee ended up in violence as the kombi crew assaulted the municipal police officers who wanted to clamp their vehicle for picking up passengers at an undesignated area.
Hadson Kazembe (32) of Mabvazuwa, the driver of a blue Iveco commuter omnibus and his conductor, Cuthbert Siyamulafu (32) appeared before provincial magistrate, Mr Shingi Mutiro, facing assault charges.
The duo which is represented by Mr Taurayi Khupe of Khupe Law Chambers is denying the charges and was remanded out of custody to January 29 on $30 bail.
State prosecutor, Mr Thomas Tumbare, told the court that Kazembe and Siyamulafu assaulted municipal officers, Ernest Chaterera, Edith Mazire and Nesbert Masina using fists, open hands and an iron bar.
“On January 14, 2015 at around 8:30am, Ernest Chaterera was at Manica Hotel clamping vehicles at that area which is undesignated for motor vehicles to stop and park there.
“The accused’s vehicle came and parked there loading passengers and Chaterera placed his spikes underneath the car.
“The driver started his vehicle not knowing that spikes had been placed there. His tyres were deflated, but he sped off.
“At 9am, Chaterera received a call to the effect that one of their workmates was being assaulted by the commuter omnibus crew and he proceeded to the scene.
“The accused persons grabbed Chaterera and assaulted him all over the body using fists, open hands and an iron bar.
“Chaterera sustained a swollen mouth and felt pain all over the body,” said Mr Tumbare.
“They also assaulted Edith Mazire with open hands. They also clapped Nesbert Masina on the neck, kicked him several times on his right leg and Siyamulafu stepped him on the chest,” he added.
Mr Mutiro adjourned the matter to January 29 for continuation of trial.
Online Reporter