Bus crew member assaults a TTI marshal

A City Bus marshal captured in a viral video allegedly assaulting a parking attendant in Bulawayo has been arrested and appeared in court, as authorities move to clamp down on public violence.

Sam Scottfield Matanda (48), of Bellevue suburb, who works as both a bus marshal and bouncer, appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Themba Chimiso facing an assault charge.

Matanda pleaded not guilty, telling the court that the complainant, Michael Ntini (33), had threatened him prior to the altercation.

"After he had clamped our bus, I asked him why he had done so. He told me he would deal with me and said he had previously been threatened by my colleagues," Matanda said in his defence.

The court granted him US$200 bail, ordering him not to interfere with State witnesses and to remain at his given address until the matter is finalised. The case was remanded to March 30.

Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu told the court that the incident occurred on March 18, shortly after 10am, at the intersection of Leopold Takawira Road and Fifth Street, opposite Bulawayo Central Police Station.

According to the State, Ntini had just disembarked from his vehicle when Matanda confronted him, allegedly grabbing him by the collar before repeatedly slapping him.

"He also dragged and pushed him while accusing him of clamping his bus," Mpofu said.

Ntini later sought medical attention, and a medical report is expected to be presented in court as evidence.

The case, which gained traction on social media after footage of the incident circulated widely, has reignited concerns over rising incidents of public confrontations escalating into violence in urban centres.