Kombi driver who beat up cop bolts

A WARRANT of arrest has been issued against a kombi driver who allegedly assaulted a cop who had arrested him for evading a roadblock in Bulawayo.

Terrance Zulu, 23, of Emganwini suburb, was supposed to appear before Western Commonage magistrate, Tancy Dube, for assaulting Adonia Musinachirevo, 28, a police officer stationed at Tshabalala police station.

Zulu, who pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, is on the run after he failed to appear in court on Wednesday.

Magistrate Dube had initially remanded Zulu out of custody. The court heard that sometime last month, Zulu, allegedly drove past a police roadblock in Bulawayo after he was instructed to stop, but it was not stated where exactly the crime was committed.

Musinachirevo, who was on duty with Constable Makotore, impounded Zulu's kombi at Emganwini Shopping Centre, days later. The court heard that the two police officers entered the vehicle and instructed Zulu, who was with a tout, to drive to Tshabalala Police Station.

Zulu sped off and drove along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road and later parked the kombi in a bushy area, the court heard.

He allegedly forced the two police officers out of the kombi.

Prosecuting, Tendai Binha said Zulu allegedly slapped and punched Musinachirevo.

He said Zulu allegedly threw stones at the police officer before taking Constable Makotore's police identity card and breaking it into pieces.

The prosecutor said Musinachirevo sustained bruises on his back.