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Court Reporter
A Bulawayo tout who allegedly blocked a police officer from arresting a colleague, has appeared in court facing charges of attempting to defeat the course of justice.
The court was told that the policeman, Constable Isaac Mushandu had arrested Andrew Sitshela, who was on a warrant of arrest for absconding court hearing.
Kholwani Ngwenya (39), of 1166 6th Street in Makokoba intervened and blocked Mushandu from taking Sitshela to the police station.
Ngwenya was allegedly joined by other touts who picked up stones and threatened to assault Cst Mushandu.

Bulawayo magistrate Mr Takundwa Witness   Mtetwa remanded him in custody to Monday next week.

The State led by Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza was opposed to bail on the grounds that Ngwenya had shown an intention to further interfere with the course of justice.

This was after he prayed to be granted bail saying he would look for Sitshela on behalf of the police because he knew where to find him.
Mr Mtetwa questioned why he wanted to look for the suspect himself instead of giving the information to the police.

Allegations are that on Saturday at about 4.30pm, Cst Mushandu arrested Sitshela at the intersection of Fife Street and 3rd Avenue and when he was taking him to the Bulawayo Central Police Station, Ngwenya approached him and threatened him with unspecified action. Ngwenya, who was allegedly holding a pint of beer, ordered Cst Mushandu to release Sitshela, the court was told.
It is alleged that Ngwenya mobilised other touts who armed themselves with stones and mobbed Cst Mushandu forcing him to release Sitshela.

Cst Mushandu left the scene and went to make a report at Bulawayo Central Police Station leading to Ngwenya’s arrest.