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Melody Baya Court Reporter
A TAXI driver allegedly organised a gang to assault and rob a police officer from Bulawayo who had refused to pay an extra $1 on the fare he had charged. Shelton Ndlovu called Xolisani Mbuyisa, 26, of Emakhandeni suburb and Xolani Sibanda, 21, of Njube suburb to “discipline” Benjamin Rhambi, 29, a cop stationed at Sauerstown, a court heard.

The duo allegedly roughed up the cop and robbed him of a Huawei cellphone and $50.

Mbuyisa and Sibanda yesterday pleaded not guilty to robbery when they appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Themba Chimiso.

They were remanded in custody to 17 May.

Prosecuting, Mufaro Mageza told the court that on May 3 at around 1AM, Rhambi boarded a Honda Fit along 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street going to Mpopoma suburb.

“On their way to Mpopoma, an argument arose between the complainant and Shelton Ndlovu, the car owner. Ndlovu demanded that the complainant should top up the taxi fare with $1 so he could get him to his destination,” said Mageza who did not disclose how much Ndlovu initially charged Rhambi.

“Shelton Ndlovu parked the vehicle off the road and called his friends who were parked near D-Square along Nketa Drive. The two arrived as the complainant got off and they followed him.

“They both charged towards him and Mbuyisa slapped the complainant as Sibanda searched his pockets. The value of stolen property is $167 and nothing was recovered”.