News / National
Fuel dealer arrested
08 Nov 2018 at 07:01hrs | Views
A SUSPECTED black market fuel dealer who turned violent upon being arrested by police officers while trying to pump hundreds of litres of diesel into a dilapidated, engineless truck at a filling station in Mutare is now facing charges of undermining police authority.
Johannes Tenga (44) - a.k.a Nyatate - of Number 606 Zimta in Chikanga caused a stir at Blue Star Service Station on October 25 last week after he – together with some unidentified accomplices – pushed the dysfunctional vehicle, to the forecourt with the intention of filling it with diesel.
This did not go down with other motorists who quickly contacted the police to intervene.
Manicaland police spokesman, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said after receiving the distress call, police officers from Mutare Central quickly visited the scene.
"Our officers from Mutare Central Police Station received a call that there was a riotous mob at Blue Star Service Station along Aerodrome Road in Yeovil.
"Upon arrival at the filling station, our officers discovered a Mitsubishi Canter truck (ABH 4498) being pushed towards the pump by the accused and his unidentified colleagues.
"On close inspection, our officers discovered that the vehicle was unserviceable and there were strong suspicions that the owner was using it to obtain fuel then drain it for resale at the black market.
"The officers also discovered that the truck had a modified fuel tank with a carrying capacity of more than 250 litres," he said.
Insp Kakohwa said Tenga became violent when he was advised by police officers that he was under arrest for causing commotion at the service station.
"The suspect became wild and violent. He advanced towards the police officers before poking them in their faces and chests. He shouted on top of his voice that police officers had no right to control fuel at the service station.
"After committing the offence he ran away and left the vehicle at the forecourt. The truck was impounded and taken to Mutare Central Police Station. A follow up was made and the suspect was arrested and detained on charges of undermining police authority."
Insp Kakohwa said Tenga was taken to court and was now out on $50 bail.
"We urge members of the public to behave well in fuel queues and respect the next person. The police will not tolerate bullies who take the law into their hands and cause commotion through unorthodox means to acquire fuel for resale at the black market. Members of the public must contact the nearest for police station for assistance each time cases like these surface," he said.
Johannes Tenga (44) - a.k.a Nyatate - of Number 606 Zimta in Chikanga caused a stir at Blue Star Service Station on October 25 last week after he – together with some unidentified accomplices – pushed the dysfunctional vehicle, to the forecourt with the intention of filling it with diesel.
This did not go down with other motorists who quickly contacted the police to intervene.
Manicaland police spokesman, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said after receiving the distress call, police officers from Mutare Central quickly visited the scene.
"Our officers from Mutare Central Police Station received a call that there was a riotous mob at Blue Star Service Station along Aerodrome Road in Yeovil.
"Upon arrival at the filling station, our officers discovered a Mitsubishi Canter truck (ABH 4498) being pushed towards the pump by the accused and his unidentified colleagues.
"On close inspection, our officers discovered that the vehicle was unserviceable and there were strong suspicions that the owner was using it to obtain fuel then drain it for resale at the black market.
"The officers also discovered that the truck had a modified fuel tank with a carrying capacity of more than 250 litres," he said.
Insp Kakohwa said Tenga became violent when he was advised by police officers that he was under arrest for causing commotion at the service station.
"The suspect became wild and violent. He advanced towards the police officers before poking them in their faces and chests. He shouted on top of his voice that police officers had no right to control fuel at the service station.
"After committing the offence he ran away and left the vehicle at the forecourt. The truck was impounded and taken to Mutare Central Police Station. A follow up was made and the suspect was arrested and detained on charges of undermining police authority."
Insp Kakohwa said Tenga was taken to court and was now out on $50 bail.
"We urge members of the public to behave well in fuel queues and respect the next person. The police will not tolerate bullies who take the law into their hands and cause commotion through unorthodox means to acquire fuel for resale at the black market. Members of the public must contact the nearest for police station for assistance each time cases like these surface," he said.
Source - Manica Post
