By Buhle Mhlaulo
A 38-year-old commuter omnibus driver was sentenced to 6 months after assaulting a police officer claiming that he provoked him and his friends at the Mkoba 16 Bus stop.
The incident occurred on 12 November 2023 when the complainant Officer Tichaona Kaunda (31), was accused of provoking Simbarashe Rateiwa who became agitated and physically attacked the complainant.
According to the state outline, Rateiwa disembarked from his motor vehicle and advanced toward the officer accusing him of previously provoking him in the company of his friends.
Rateiwa has been bitter for being enraged by Kaunda.
However, Rateiwa hit Kaunda with open hands three times on the face, while Kaunda was in a police uniform heading to work. Rateiwa well knowing that he was assaulting a police officer and drove off in his vehicle.
Rateiwa pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Arnold Maburo and pleaded with the court to be merciful towards him as he had acted out of manner and asked for forgiveness from the complainant.
The prosecution argued that Rateiwa’s claims were an attempt to justify his actions of violence.
“It was unlawful of Rateiwa as he had to put the law in his own hands, however, he has to meet severe punishment for assaulting a police officer of the law,” said Prosecutor Brendon Ndlovu.
Kaunda filed a report at Nehanda Base and was not medically examined.
Magistrate Arnold Maburo concluded by sentencing Rateiwa to save 6 months at Whawha prison.
Two women arrested for selling dagga for survival at their homestead at Siyachangura Village, under Chief Simuchembo in Gokwe North on 15 August 2024.Rosemary Siangumbula aged 47 and Queen Sijima (39) were arrested for possession of dagga at their homestead by a team of police officers who were on patrol, following a tip-off.
It was established that two suspects are co-wives in a polygamous marriage to John Mudenda (51). In a press statement they are said to have two separate huts.
It has left the police officers in shock after the discovery they made at the homestead of Rosemary and Queen.
“During the arrest, Rosemary’s hut was searched resulting in the recovery of 4 x 20litres buckets and a small plastic paper bag full of prepared dagga.
Queen’s hut was also searched and a sack full of loose dried dagga was recovered.” said Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
In a statement, the two suspects were said to have been taken to Gokwe Police Station for documentation of their case before appearing in court on 17 August 2024.
The recovered dagga is being held as exhibits. Its street value is yet to be a scertained.Inspector Mahoko advised the public about the illegal possession of drugs.
The general public is informed that dealing or possession of dangerous drugs without a licence is a serious crime.
