Cop loses ear in kidnap incident

A police traffic officer lost his right ear after he was allegedly assaulted and kidnapped by a kombi driver and his conductor in Rhodesville, Harare, on Sunday.

Constable Shadreck Jongwe (36) was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment following the incident and has since been discharged.

Police say the suspects, Shepherd Kazingizi (35) and Takudzwa Pachavo (29), both from Ruwa, ignored lawful orders from officers and forcibly drove off with Constable Jongwe inside their vehicle while heading towards Eastlea from Harare's central business district.

Constable Jongwe was on duty with Constable Chinhamo enforcing traffic regulations when they stopped Kazingizi for allegedly picking up passengers at an undesignated point. Kazingizi was driving a white Toyota Hiace, registration number AGJ 9866.

According to police, Jongwe boarded the vehicle with the intention of escorting it to the Roadport police post so the driver could pay a fine, while his colleague remained at the intersection to manage traffic.

Instead of complying, Kazingizi allegedly drove off with the officer still inside the kombi, proceeding eastwards along Robert Mugabe Way. During the incident, Pachavo is accused of repeatedly assaulting Jongwe using open hands and clenched fists.

Police further allege that in the course of the attack, one of the suspects bit Jongwe on the right ear, resulting in its loss. The officer was later dumped along Robert Mugabe Avenue near Rhodesville.

The two suspects were subsequently arrested following the intervention of the vehicle's owner, identified as Melisa Manon'ore.

The incident has sparked concern within the public transport sector. A conductor based at Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, who identified himself only as Nyamudzanga, condemned the violence, warning that such behaviour damages relations between kombi operators and law enforcement.

"I suspect they were under the influence," he said. "You never win a battle with the police. What they did is reckless and will only worsen tensions between kombi drivers and law enforcers."

Police investigations are continuing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court to face charges related to kidnapping and assault.