Kombi drivers, touts in trouble

ELEVEN commuter omnibus drivers and touts from Kadoma have been arrested for assaulting municipal police officers who were clamping illegally parked buses.

The suspects are alleged to have forcibly unclamped the vehicles with an object suspected to be a bolt cutter, destroying nine clamps and nine locks in the process.

The accused are: Regis Murwendo (35), Jephias Mudzambi (25), Mehluli Bvumo (34), Albert Majoni (36), Sharai Zuze (47), Joseph Tichaurawa (34), Milton Kadambura (32), Austin Makosa (48), Sam Mudanga (51), Catros Mahembe (35) and Wonder Chisonga (26).

The group jointly appeared before Kadoma magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba on Monday, facing two counts of contravening Section 186 and 140 of the Criminal Law and Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 pertaining to threatening officials and malicious damage to property.

They are denying the charges through their lawyer, Mr Farai Misihairabwi of Lawman Chimuriwo Attorneys.

Prosecuting, Mrs Ottilia Dandare said on January 22 this year, Kadoma municipal police officers led by Peter Makovere conducted a blitz targeting commuter omnibuses that were dangerously parked along Baker Street adjacent to TM supermarket in the city centre.

She said the drivers and touts abandoned their vehicles after noticing that municipal police officers had clamped them.

Mrs Dandare further alleged that the suspects mobilised themselves threatening to assault the municipal cops who then fled the scene.

The touts and drivers allegedly armed themselves with bolt cutters and removed the clamps and locks.

Nine clamps and their locks valued at $954 were damaged.

Mr Gwazemba postponed the case to a later date to be advised while the suspects were remanded out of custody.