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Sharon Chiware Midlands Reporter
A man who ran amok and attacked two municipal police officers was last week arraigned before a Gweru magistrate facing assault charges. The incident happened after the two municipal cops, on duty to maintain order and enforcing council by-laws in the city of Gweru, tried to confiscate Kudakwashe Mbeure’s (23) wares while illegally vending on the streets.

Mbeure, from Ascot Infill, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault when he appeared before magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga. He was remanded in custody to November 21 for continuation of trial. In his defence, Mbeure told the court that he was not the one who assaulted the complainants, Mr Charles Machingira and Mr Nathan Mudamburi.

“I am not the one who assaulted the two council officers and I know nothing concerning that issue,” he said. “When the two were assaulted, I had already been taken to the police station after I was caught vending in an undesignated area.”

The State is alleging that on October 23, Mr Machingira and Mr Mudamburi were on duty clearing illegal vendors in the city centre. The court heard that when they were at Patel’s Supermarket along Leopold Takawira Street, they tried to displace some illegal vendors, who turned violent.

Mbeure, who was part of the violent vendors, went on to pick up a stone and hit Machingira on the head. Mr Mudamburi positively identified Mbeure and arrested him immediately.

The court also heard that Mbeure went on to bite Mr Mudamburi as he tried to flee. He was taken to Gweru Central Police Station where a report was filed. Mr Peason Muringani prosecuted.