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Adelaide Moyo Chronicle Reporter
A LUPANE man who allegedly stabbed a cop as he tried to evade arrest on New Year’s Day has appeared in court charged with murder.

Proud Dlamini, 26, of Mzola area under Chief Menyezwa allegedly fatally stabbed Constable Tafadzwa Virira, who was stationed at Jotsholo in Kusile district, on the chest and stomach.

Dlamini was not asked to plead to the murder charge when he appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku yesterday.

He was remanded in custody to January 11.

The magistrate advised Dlamini to apply to the High Court for bail in view of the seriousness of the case.

Prosecuting, Sanders Sibanda told the court that on January 1, the now deceased was deployed at Mzola Business Centre for festive season patrols.

“He was in the company of Cst Mlotshwa. On the same day at around 7PM the accused in the company of a friend Leo Moyo had a brawl with one Ntole Ndlovu. The deceased and Cst Mlotshwa approached them,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard that Cst Mlotshwa arrested Moyo and took him away leaving behind the deceased to arrest Dlamini.

“A scuffle ensued as Cst Virira was trying to arrest the accused. Dlamini drew out an AK 47 CCCP flick knife and stabbed the deceased once on the chest below the right nipple ripping open the ribs. He also stabbed him once in the stomach,” Sibanda said.

The court heard that Virira ran for about 144 metres before falling to the ground.

“He died as a result of the injuries sustained from the stabbing. Dlamini fled from the scene and went to hide at home where he was arrested and the knife he used was recovered hidden in a bag,” Sibanda said.