Rank Marshal in Court for Assault and Robbery

Munyaradzi Mashiri 

Court Correspondent 

An illegal rank marshal who allegedly assaulted a passenger over a US$2 misunderstanding has appeared in court.

Manyemu Tanaka, 26, was arraigned before the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing robbery charges.

The State alleges that in January, at the corner of Rezende and Robert Mugabe Street, the complainant, Prince Kahuni, was waiting for transport to go home when a Toyota Aqua arrived.

Kahuni boarded the vehicle, but shortly after, Manyemu approached the driver, demanding US$2 as a parking fee. A dispute ensued between Manyemu and Kahuni, leading Manyemu to forcibly remove the car keys from the ignition.

As Kahuni tried to negotiate for the return of the keys, Manyemu and another accused person, identified only as Bonzo, allegedly turned violent. The two reportedly took turns assaulting Kahuni with fists and open hands.

The accused then allegedly robbed Kahuni of his Samsung S20 Plus and US$25 in cash before fleeing the scene.

Kahuni reported the incident to the police, leading to Manyemu’s arrest. 

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.