Cops 'assault' magistrate

THE case of a Bulawayo magistrate who was allegedly assaulted by two police officers for illegal parking in December last year could not kick off yesterday due to conflicting signals.

Tawanda Muchemwa, a magistrate based at Tredgold magistrate's courts, was allegedly assaulted by traffic police officers for illegal parking at Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus.

The matter could not be heard after Muchemwa allegedly withdrew charges before plea, according to sources at the Western Commonage Courts.

However, Muchemwa denied withdrawing charges.

He told The Chronicle that the person who said he had withdrawn charges was lying.

"The person who told you that was trying to mislead you. I didn't withdraw the charges. Instead the matter was put off remand. I can't give you more details on the issue, just leave it," said Muchemwa.

Muchemwa was in December last year allegedly assaulted by two police officers manning a roadblock just outside the bus terminus.

Sources at Western Commonage Courts where the matter was supposed to be heard said when Muchemwa illegally parked his car, he was approached by the police officers who demanded to see his driver's licence.

"When he switched on the ignition key, the police officers thought that Muchemwa was trying to escape.

"That's when the police officers switched off the ignition, took his car keys, dragged him out of the car and assaulted him," said a source.

The source said Muchemwa was taken to Mzilikazi Police Station where he was detained for a few hours before he was rescued by his lawyer.