Cop basher to do community service

A MAN who assaulted a police officer while being arrested for public drinking and violence was yesterday ordered to perform 105 hours of community service by a court.

Constable Cordian Maimba, 27, lost a tooth filling after he was punched several times on the head and face by Jonathan Phiri, 26, of Luveve in Bulawayo.

Phiri also tore Maimba's police uniform during the assault.

Western Commonage magistrate Singandu Jele convicted Phiri of assault and resisting arrest.

Phiri was sentenced to six months imprisonment, but three months were suspended on condition of good behaviour and a further three months were set aside on condition that Phiri performs 105 hours of community service at Mtshede Primary School in Njube.

In mitigation, Phiri said he was drunk when he attacked the police officer.

"I admit to the charges levelled against me but I was drunk when I assaulted him. I can't add or subtract anything from what has been said in the court because I can hardly remember anything as I was drunk," he said.

Said the magistrate: "You should not use beer as an excuse for committing crime. The courts don't accept that. You're an adult and you should know the consequences of getting drunk.

Prosecuting, Tendai Binha told the court that on January 29 this year, at around 6PM, Maimba was on duty when he received a report that Phiri was being violent at Maunga Shopping Centre.

Maimba went to the shopping centre intending to arrest Phiri.

Phiri resisted arrest and violently lashed out at the police officer, who also lost his handcuffs. Police reinforcements were called and managed to arrest Phiri.