Cop up for assault

A POLICE officer from Ross Camp in Bulawayo has been taken to court for assaulting a troublesome passenger who had been reported by a motorist for refusing to pay a fare.

Nelson Munsaka (40) pleaded not guilty to the assault charge on Wednesday when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sithembiso Ncube and was remanded out of custody to October 2.

The court heard that on April 16 last year, at 6pm Nqobizitha Ndlovu of Entumbane boarded a Toyota Fun Cargo driven by Themba Moyo and they had a misunderstanding over the fare. Moyo drove to Western Commonage Police Station to report the matter and he handed Ndlovu to Munsaka.

Munsaka reportedly dragged Ndlovu out of the car before assaulting him on the face, nose and eyes, leaving him with a bloody nose.

Ndlovu was then ordered to pay a $10 fine for public disorder and when he failed to pay, he was allegedly detained in the holding cells. Munsaka is alleged to have further assaulted Ndlovu while in detention.

The State heard that Ndlovu was taken to hospital the following day where he was examined and treated.

In his defence, Munsaka said he was on duty on the day in question when Ndlovu was brought to him, but denies assaulting him. Munsaka said he formally placed Ndlovu under arrest and advised him that he was being moved to the holding cells. He said Ndlovu became aggressive and resisted attempts to take him out of the charge office. He said he was assisted by other police officers to subdue and forcibly take him to the cells.

Ndlovu tore off Munsaka's badges during the attempt to detain him and he noticed during the scuffle.

He said Ndlovu fabricated the assault charge to avoid being charged for violence.