Suspect resists arrest, axes cop

A POLICE officer stationed at Chisumbanje Police Station is battling for life at St Peter's Mission Hospital after he was struck with a machete several times on the head by a suspected criminal he wanted to arrest last Saturday.

Deputy Manicaland provincial police spokesman Assistant Inspector Luxson Chananda said police in Chisumbanje reacted by shooting the suspect, Jeremiah Chiseswa (35), a mentally challenged criminal who was also at large for committing another offence.

Chiseswa was also hospitalised, while Sergeant Mazarura was in critical condition.
The incident happened in Manzvire Village.

"At around 2pm, Chiseswa assaulted Thomas Simango (39) with a log on the head and the latter reported the matter to police. Five police officers including Sgt Mazarura attended the scene. They were armed with FN rifles and found him alone at his house. He was armed with a machete and a log. They instructed him to disarm," he said.

He struck Sgt Mazarura with a machete and the latter sustained deep cuts on the head.

Police reacted by shooting Chiseswa.

They arrested him and he was taken to the hospital.