COH cop pushed off fruit vendor's moving truck

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A Chitungwiza man, Farai Yobe, 51, appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Court facing attempted murder charges following a dramatic confrontation with City of Harare enforcement officers.

The incident occurred on November 7, 2024, along West Road in Avondale, Harare. According to court documents, Yobe and his accomplice, Raymond Katyaurere, were allegedly caught unlawfully selling mazhanje (wild loquats) from a Nissan Atlas open truck, registration number AGI 2665.

Upon their arrest, Yobe was instructed to drive to the City of Harare headquarters under the escort of two officers.

The complainant, one of the officers, boarded the truck while his colleague was still attempting to get in. Yobe, however, reportedly drove off at high speed, leaving the other officer behind.

As the vehicle sped south along West Road, Yobe's accomplice, seated in the front passenger seat, allegedly pushed the complainant out of the moving truck. The officer fell onto the road, sustaining bruises on his right hip, right hand, and left shoulder.

The remaining enforcement officers gave chase but were unable to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The injured officer sought medical attention at Parirenyatwa Hospital and later filed a report with the police.

Yobe’s accomplice is already on remand, while Yobe is set to appear in court again on December 4, 2024.