Cop kidnap accused says not guilty

An imbiber who was arrested for public drinking allegedly kidnapped the arresting officer before bashing his head with a stone in Bulawayo's Mpopoma suburb, the court heard.

Nicholas Moyo (27) had offered to drive Constable Nicholas Mbwende (27) to Bulawayo Central Police Station in his Honda Fit to pay a fine in July.

Along the way he allegedly drove in the opposite direction and sped off with Cst Mbwende only to stop in Mpopoma suburb.

He allegedly got out of the car, picked up a stone and bashed Cst Mbwende several times on his hands and head.

Cst Mbwende had to be rushed by an ambulance to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment. He sustained a deep cut on the head, bruises on hands and a swollen upper lip.

Moyo who yesterday appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Crispen Mberewere facing charges of kidnapping and assault, pleaded not guilty.

He was remanded to today for continuation of trial on his own cognisance.

Prosecuting, Mr Simbarashe Manyiwa said Cst Mbwende arrested Moyo on July 7 around midnight along 13th Avenue and Lobengula Street for public drinking.

Moyo then offered to drive Cst Mbwende to Bulawayo Central Police Station so he could pay a fine but instead drove to Mpopoma suburb.