ZRP fires warning shots

BULAWAYO police warned yesterday they would do anything it takes to protect their officers from attacks, including shooting to kill.

Assistant Commissioner Christopher Gora, the second in command in the province, spoke after two police officers were hospitalised — one shot with a catapult while another had a finger bitten off by a suspect in separate incidents.

Yesterday, two men who were part of a gang of five were jailed for seven years each after a brazen raid on a police post during which they attempted to rape a police officer.

Ass Comm Gora said police were "not punch bags", as he vowed tough action on any members of the public targeting law enforcement agents.

"Police aren't punch bags, they've lives to protect, they've families to protect. They're only but human beings who've the same constitutional rights like any other Zimbabwean," Ass Comm Gora told The Chronicle.

He added: "Police are at work not because of a calling, like prophets. Ours isn't a faith calling, but a job like the next person's, deserving the same respect and safety at work like you would demand for yourself and your family.

"If one wants to kill my officers, they've a right to self defence. Anyone who thinks police are an easy target should stop it. The State has armed these people for a reason. Just as we talk about more resources for the police, you must also be aware that we presently have enough baton sticks and guns. We'll react, and I really want to promise every criminal out there that they don't want to test our resolve."

The catapult attack occurred in Suburbs on Monday, and no arrest has been made although police are looking for two suspects.

Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube, the acting Bulawayo police spokesman, yesterday said the officer who lost a finger was attacked outside Hillside Shopping Centre last week on Sunday.

"He was trying to arrest a wanted person. The suspect fought with the officer, biting off his finger and injuring him on the head," said Asst Insp Ncube.

He said the suspect was later arrested.

Asst Insp Ncube said on Monday, two men armed with catapults attacked officers who were on night patrol in Suburbs.

"Our officers observed two men who were pushing a car wheel. The officers tried to engage the two but were attacked with a catapult and one of the officers had to be hospitalised," said Asst Insp Ncube.

Last Friday, five men armed with knives attacked a police base near Amakhosi Cultural Centre and attempted to rape a female officer, while his colleague was robbed.

Two of the men were jailed seven years each by Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove yesterday. Three others are on the run and Ass Comm Gora said "every police resource will be deployed to track them down and bring them to account".

Thumani Sibanda, 33, of Makokoba and Bhekimpilo Khumalo, 31, of Pumula South arrived at the police post at around 11PM on February 26 and said they wanted to report a case of robbery.

Two officers — one male and one female — were manning the post. Upon entering the tent, the gang asked the officers to light a torch since it was dark. They further asked if the officers had guns, alleging that the purported assailants they wanted arrested were armed and dangerous, said Jeremiah Mutsindikwa, prosecuting.

On being told that the officers were not armed, the men produced knives and two pairs of handcuffs and attacked them. The court heard that one of the officers, Admire Kasi, fled but the gang caught up with him and frisked him of $20.

The female officer was dragged into the tall grass where the gang cut her trousers using knives, stripping her naked.

She resisted their attempts to rape her, holding out long enough for back-up to arrive. Sibanda and Khumalo were apprehended while the other gang members fled with the woman's $5 and a necklace.

Police say they are looking for Tawanda Moyo, Mbonisi Ncube and Menzi Dube in connection with the crime.