Disabled vendor fined for assaulting council cop

A wheelchair-bound vendor from Shurugwi has been fined US$450 after being convicted of assault and unlawful possession of dagga.

Simbarashe Zuva (32), of Runyararo West in Masvingo, was convicted on his own plea before Magistrate Sithabile Zungula.

The court spared Zuva a custodial sentence, with the magistrate noting that he is wheelchair-bound and not a suitable candidate for community service.

Prosecutor Matidaishe Pavazhira told the court that the incident occurred on March 16, 2026, at Mumvuri Bus Terminus in Shurugwi.

On the day, Admire Mandima (46), a security officer employed by the Shurugwi Town Council, was on patrol with a colleague when they found Zuva vending at an undesignated area and ordered him to vacate.

Zuva allegedly became aggressive, shouting at Mandima before grabbing him by the collar and assaulting him. The officer's colleague intervened to restrain him.

A police report was filed, and upon arrival, officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested Zuva after he reportedly continued hurling insults.

A subsequent search at ZRP Shurugwi Police Station led to the recovery of 0.04 grammes of dagga, along with a catapult and a sjambok.

Zuva was convicted of assault and unlawful possession of a dangerous drug, resulting in the US$450 fine.