Two Harare commuter omnibus crew members have appeared in court facing allegations of kidn@pping a female traffic police officer before stealing US$396.
Anywork Simbe (30) and Brighton Nyamukanda (30) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo and were remanded in custody to Friday for their bail application.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred in Harare’s central business district while the officer was on duty enforcing traffic regulations.
Incident in the CBD
The court heard that the complainant spotted a commuter omnibus allegedly picking up passengers at an undesignated point at the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Julius Nyerere Street.
The vehicle was reportedly being driven by Simbe, with Nyamukanda acting as conductor.
Prosecutors said the police officer boarded the kombi to address the alleged traffic violation while her colleague, Constable Dzvaka, followed behind.
The officer then informed the crew that the vehicle was under arrest for illegally picking up passengers.
Alleged kidn@pping
It is alleged that immediately after the officer boarded the kombi, Simbe drove off and turned into Angwa Street.
The vehicle reportedly continued along Nelson Mandela Avenue before turning into Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road.
Prosecutors told the court that the vehicle eventually stopped near Highlands shops.
The accused allegedly forced the officer out of the vehicle after stealing her wallet containing US$396, her national identification document, bank card and a Jet card.
Police response
After the incident, the officer was assisted by another police officer who was passing through the area.
Authorities say the total value stolen was US$396 and none of the stolen items have been recovered.
Simbe and Nyamukanda remain in custody as the case continues.
