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CID boss assaulted, robbed of service pistol
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The head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide division in Harare, Superintendent Alexandra Jachi, was violently assaulted and robbed of US$140 and his service pistol in a shocking incident in the city centre.
The case unfolded in Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where four suspects - Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, Simbarashe Steven Ota, and Sydney Rande - faced charges of assault and robbery. Regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa acquitted Chatonzwa, Chingombe, and Ota but found Rande guilty of assault, sentencing him to 12 months in prison. The sentence was suspended on condition that Rande pays a US$300 fine.
According to the State, the incident occurred on September 30 when Superintendent Jachi was driving a Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to his residence in Chitungwiza. He noticed the suspects following him and sought safety at Jongwe Corner. Upon parking, Chatonzwa and Rande allegedly exited their vehicle and charged toward Jachi.
In response, Jachi fired a warning shot into the air with his 9mm Taurus police service pistol to deter the attackers. Despite this, Chatonzwa continued advancing, prompting Jachi to shoot him once in the left leg. However, Chatonzwa pressed on and struck Jachi with an unknown object, causing him to fall.
The court heard that the group then proceeded to assault Jachi until he lost consciousness. Attempts by onlookers to intervene were met with violence from the suspects.
The assailants searched Jachi's belongings and stole his wallet containing US$140, his service pistol, and identity documents. The stolen service pistol has yet to be recovered.
The attack on a senior police officer has raised concerns about security and the boldness of criminals in the city centre, as investigations continue.
The case unfolded in Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where four suspects - Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, Simbarashe Steven Ota, and Sydney Rande - faced charges of assault and robbery. Regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa acquitted Chatonzwa, Chingombe, and Ota but found Rande guilty of assault, sentencing him to 12 months in prison. The sentence was suspended on condition that Rande pays a US$300 fine.
According to the State, the incident occurred on September 30 when Superintendent Jachi was driving a Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to his residence in Chitungwiza. He noticed the suspects following him and sought safety at Jongwe Corner. Upon parking, Chatonzwa and Rande allegedly exited their vehicle and charged toward Jachi.
In response, Jachi fired a warning shot into the air with his 9mm Taurus police service pistol to deter the attackers. Despite this, Chatonzwa continued advancing, prompting Jachi to shoot him once in the left leg. However, Chatonzwa pressed on and struck Jachi with an unknown object, causing him to fall.
The court heard that the group then proceeded to assault Jachi until he lost consciousness. Attempts by onlookers to intervene were met with violence from the suspects.
The assailants searched Jachi's belongings and stole his wallet containing US$140, his service pistol, and identity documents. The stolen service pistol has yet to be recovered.
The attack on a senior police officer has raised concerns about security and the boldness of criminals in the city centre, as investigations continue.
Source - NewsDay
