Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
WITNESSES have described their shock at seeing a Mutare motorist assaulting a policeman at a fuel station in the city, an incident which was captured on video, and went viral on social media.
Brendon Tsakatsa, 29, of House Number 1285, Chikanga 1, Mutare, has been arrested for whipping Constable Maxwell Mukumbudzi, who was simply doing his work in a crackdown against pirate taxis. Tsakatsa was driving a mushikashika when he was approached by officers before he turned violent and attacked the policeman.
The incident happened at Apex Energies Fuel Station in the Mutare CBD on Monday last week.
A witness, Clide Gurure, who sells his wares near the fuel station, said many people initially struggled to understand what was taking place.“I was selling my wares when I saw police officers speaking to the driver.
“Within seconds, voices were raised and the next thing we saw was a physical confrontation. Everyone nearby was shocked because such incidents are rare to witness.”
Another witness, Chris Chimboza, said many people instinctively reached out for their mobile phones to capture the attack.
“The situation became chaotic. Some people were shouting while others were trying to move away in case things became worse. The driver eventually sped off and many of us were left wondering whether he would be caught.”
A fuel station employee, who requested anonymity, said their customers were visibly shaken by the incident.
“It disrupted business for a while because customers gathered to see what had happened.
“People kept replaying the video after it was shared online and discussing how unfortunate it was that a police officer had been assaulted while performing his duties,” the employee said.
He welcomed the police action, saying violence against law enforcement officers undermines public order.
Police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said investigations into the incident are continuing and said anyone who obstructs or attacks officers carrying out lawful duties will face the full wrath of the law.
“The ZRP reports that Brendon Tsakatsa (29) of Number 1285 Chikanga 1, Mutare, has been arrested for assaulting Constable Maxwell Mukumbuzi at a service station in Mutare on June 29,” said Comm Nyathi.
“The ZRP strongly warns kombi and pirate taxi operators, as well as all members of the public, against assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers in the lawful execution of their duties.
“Such conduct constitutes a criminal offence and offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts without fear or favour,” he said. Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to resolve complaints through legal channels instead of resorting to violence.
“Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and where they have grievances regarding police conduct, to seek redress through established channels rather than resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands,” he said.
