Municipal cop dies in high-speed chase

A MUTARE municipal police officer died when a council vehicle he was travelling in rammed into the back of a commuter omnibus during a high-speed chase yesterday.

Council confirmed the accident, which occurred at 22 Miles along the Chimanimani-Birchenough Bridge Road, leaving five other municipal police officers injured.

"A city of Mutare employee died in a tragic road accident this morning while five others were injured," council said in a statement.

"The accident occurred at the 22 Miles today (yesterday) along the Chimanimani-Birchenough Road when a council tow vehicle was involved in a hit and run with a commuter omnibus which was evading police arrest.

"After committing the first offence at Sakubva Swimming Pool, the driver of the commuter omnibus sped off along Chimanimani Road, and upon arriving at 22 Miles, he tactfully hit the council vehicle with the bumper resulting in the accident."

The kombi driver immediately sped off after the incident.

"The name of the deceased has not been released until the next of kin are informed."

The local authority has pledged to provide funeral assistance to the bereaved family, and assist the injured in paying their medical bills.