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Newton Mlotshwa (58), of 2A York Road, Hillside, who is the director at Nemaks Civil Engineering, had pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer but was convicted by provincial magistrate in charge of Bulawayo and Matabeleland North Provinces, Mr John Masimba.

In addition, Mlotshwa was sentenced to 10 months in prison, which was wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

He was given up to 2 April to pay the fine.

Sentencing Mlotshwa, Mr Masimba said there were some circumstances in the case that needed to be resolved.

These were whether Mlotshwa removed motorcycle keys from the ignition, whether he grabbed Sergeant Livingstone Jeche, who was leading the President’s motorcade by his shoulders and whether his actions amounted to assault.

The magistrate said he considered that  Mlotshwa’s motive was to recover his keys, which had been taken by Sgt Jeche and that Mlotshwa was diabetic.

Mr Masimba said he considered both the defence and State counsel’s submissions but said Mlotshwa’s actions were foolish especially for a man of his social standing to disturb a motorcade of armed people, which could have been dangerous.

Mlotshwa and his driver Prayer Gavhanga (27), who is being charged with failing to comply with police instructions, were driving to Filabusi on 9 November last year.

Mlotshwa was sitting on the passenger seat.

Gavhanga, who was driving the vehicle, was signalled to pull off the road by Sgt Jeche near Ascot Shopping Centre along the Bulawayo-Gwanda Road, but continued driving behind him.

Sgt Jeche was leading the President’s motorcade to the graduation ceremony at the National University of Science and Technology.

He stopped his motorcycle and blocked the vehicle to force Gavhanga to stop.

Sgt Jeche removed the keys from the ignition and Gavhanga disembarked demanding the keys back.

Mlotshwa also disembarked from the vehicle and removed the keys from the ignition of the motorcycle while holding its handles.

He was also demanding to know why Gavhanga had been arrested.

Mlotshwa and Gavhanga were arrested on the spot.

Gavhanga will next appear in court on Monday for continuation of trial.

Mr Zibusiso Charles Ncube, of Calderwood, Bryce Hendrie and Partners is defending both Mlotshwa and Gavhanga.