'We will not rest until we catch the pirate taxi killer', says police boss

BULAWAYO motorists might face a torrid time from law-enforcers who were angered by the death of their colleague Sergeant Godsave Chingwe, died on Wednesday from head and chest injuries he sustained when during a taxi chase.

The pirate taxi driver fleeing arrest dragged him with the door of his vehicle for more than 100 metres before throwing him headlong onto the road.

The Officer Commanding Bulawayo Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba yesterday charged that police will come down hard on errant drivers who ignore police orders to stop at roadblocks.

The police boss said that police would not rest until the killer pirate taxi driver had been brought to book.

He said it was disturbing to see law enforcers being killed. "This is not the first time it has happened. As police we are deeply disturbed. We will arrest everybody who breaks the law or endangers the life of a police officer," he said.

We have lost the life of a dedicated officer through the irresponsible actions of someone who knew they were on the wrong side of the law. I would like to warn motorists to stop and be fined if there is anything wrong with their vehicles or driving particulars."

He said there was no reason to endanger police officers as motorists who felt they were treated unfairly at a roadblock had avenues to seek redress.

The police chief also said kombi operators, who employed drivers below the stipulated 25 years for public transport drivers, would face the full wrath of the law.