3 kombi touts gang up on cop

THREE touts have appeared in court for allegedly assaulting a police officer at Basch Street Bus Terminus, popularly known as Egodini, while trying to free their colleague who had been arrested for touting.

Lovemore Sibanda, 26, Vusumuzi Nkomo, 37, and Hlanganani Mthombeni, 27, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Batanai Tuwe facing assault charges. The trio pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to today for trial.

Prosecuting, Tarisai Mutarisi said on December 26 last year, the cop, Munyaradzi Dube and some police officers were on duty while in civilian attire at Egodini bus terminus. The police officers arrested Joseph Mapako for touting.

The court heard that as Dube escorted Mapako to Bulawayo central police station, Sibanda, Nkomo and Mthombeni confronted him demanding their colleague's release. Mutarisi said Dube was slapped and kicked several times all over the body before being hit with stones by the touts who fled, leaving him lying on the ground.

A medical report was produced in court showing that Dube sustained head injuries, among others. "Dube proceeded to Bulawayo central police station where he was rushed to Mpilo Hospital for treatment," said Mutarisi.

A follow up was made and Sibanda, Nkomo and Mthombeni were arrested.