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Lisa Mangena, Court Reporter

A COMMUTER omnibus driver allegedly assaulted and tried to disarm a police officer.

Mehluli Moyo of Nkulumane suburb hit Sergeant Major Tsikirai with a stone during violent protests that took place in January.

Moyo appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing a charge of public violence.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to today for sentence.

Moyo’s alibi was that he spent the day at home.

“I spent the whole day at home with my brother’s wife and for a few days I did not go anywhere.

“On January 20 I went to Sekusile Terminus where I work to check the situation so I could return to my duties and that is when I got arrested,” he said.

The court heard on January 14 at Sekusile Shopping Centre in Nkulumane there was a mob that invaded and broke into shops.

The mob was armed with stones and they stole groceries at the shopping centre.

The prosecutor Mr Tapiwa Solani said while the mob was causing havoc, police officers tried to disperse the crowd. 

“Moyo who was passing by hit Sgt Maj Tsikirai with a stone on the left side of the head. He grabbed an FN rifle in an attempt to disarm him.

“The two wrestled for the rifle until another police officer fired a warning shot. Moyo ran away from the scene leaving Sgt Maj Tsikirai with a deep cut on the head,” he said.

A few days later members of the public told police where Moyo lived and he was arrested.

Sgt Maj Tsikirai was ferried to hospital and a medical report was produced in court as exhibit.

– @LissahMangena