Vendor attacks policeman
A vendor in Bulawayo's Cowdray Park suburb took the law into his hands and attacked a policeman who was part of a group of officers raiding their stalls. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
Witnesses said the policeman, in the company of other officers, was conducting routine raids on vendors selling bread.
They said a vendor only identified as Zambezi resisted saying his wares could not be confiscated.
He reportedly told the police officers that they were bogus. "The man then dragged the police to the other side of his stall where they briefly argued.
"It soon turned violent as the vendor began punching the policeman in the face and the chest," said a witness, who only identified himself as Ndlovu.
He said this happened without the other officers noticing, as they were on the other side of the road.
"Some of the vendors cheered him on as they believed he was for sure a bogus policeman," said Ndlovu.
When the officers realised what was happening it was too late as Zambezi had fled from the scene.
Ndlovu said the policeman was escorted to Luveve Police Station by his colleagues.
"Later several policemen on horseback came back for Zambezi who was already in hiding at his home," said Ndlovu.
Another witness, Mr Mehluli Sibanda, said Zambezi was arrested with six other men believed to have been cheering him on.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Bekimpilo Ndlovu confirmed the incident.
"We are handling a case where a Cowdray Park man had a scuffle with a police officer who was raiding illegal vendors," said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
He said it was disturbing to learn of such behaviour by members of the public.
"It is disappointing to see people behaving in this manner.
"As the police force we are empowered to use minimum force but we are a people's force and we don't usually resort to that, but people should not force us to do that," said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
He said such behaviour from members of the public would not be tolerated.
"May I warn those bent on disturbing or harming the police officers while carrying out their duties that they risk arrest," said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
He said such actions may result in them getting lengthy custodial sentences if found guilty.
