Cop arrested for aiding illegal rank wars

A Harare policeman, Tonderai Manyika (34), has been charged with resisting arrest and abuse of duty after being implicated in a violent dispute over an illegal kombi rank in Harare's central business district. Manyika, who is accused of aiding in the violence, was arraigned before Harare Provincial Magistrate Apollonia Marutya on Saturday.

Manyika was granted bail of US$50 and will return to court on February 20 pending the finalization of investigations.

The complainant in the case is the State, represented by Lan Murare, a fellow officer stationed at Harare Central Police Station. According to Prosecutor Tinotenda Masimba, the incident unfolded on January 23 when Murare's superiors received information about a violent altercation occurring at the Corner Fidel Castro Road and Mbuya Nehanda Street area, triggered by a dispute over an illegal kombi rank between two men, identified only as Dhana and Frank.

It is alleged that Manyika, described as heavily built, was hired to intimidate other rank marshals involved in the conflict. Upon receiving the tip-off, Murare and his team quickly responded, arriving at the scene where Manyika and his accomplices attempted to flee in various directions to avoid arrest.

Manyika was reportedly apprehended at a nearby bar and ordered to board a police vehicle. However, he allegedly resisted arrest and tried to escape. The State claims that Murare pursued Manyika, catching up with him, but Manyika assaulted the policeman while continuing to resist arrest.

Despite the resistance, Murare and his team were able to subdue Manyika and place him under arrest. Manyika now faces charges related to resisting arrest and abuse of duty in connection with the ongoing illegal rank dispute.