Roadblocks demo taxi operators nabbed

SEVEN Plumtree taxi operators have appeared in court following their arrest on Wednesday for allegedly trying to stage a demonstration against police roadblocks.

Nkanyiso Tshuma (21), Nkanyiso Ncube (40), Tsepo Dube (25), Trinity Ndlovu (28), Wycliff Mpala (22), Hlalisani Ncube (37) and Brian Moyo (28), who all live in the border town, were arrested while carrying a placard written "reduce roadblocks".

The seven appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Livard Philemon, facing charges of communicating false statements prejudicial to the State.

When asked whether they had any complaints against the police, they said police officers pointed guns at them.

Mr Philemon noted their complaint and remanded the taxi operators in custody to July 14 after the State opposed bail.

Prosecuting, Mrs Rose Sibanda said the taxi operators were likely to cause further violence if released.

"The court has to consider the volatile state of the country at the moment and if these accused persons are granted bail, they are likely to incite more violence. It's for this reason that the State is opposed to bail," she said. Mrs Sibanda said on July 6 at around 12 noon, the taxi drivers carried a placard written "reduce roadblocks" in Plumtree Town Centre and were arrested by police officers on patrol.

Mrs Sibanda said the actions of the accused persons were likely to undermine the public's confidence in the police force.

Taxi operators in Plumtree have on several occasions protested against the number of roadblocks in the town.