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Tendai Gukutikwa Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Odzi are on high alert following a series of attacks by thugs who terrorised residents in the area with knives and catapults last week.

Allegations are that a gang of seven brought business to a halt at Odzi Business Centre when they violently assaulted villagers and a police officer. The gang is also alleged to have damaged a commuter omnibus which was parked at the business centre.

Of the seven members, only one was apprehended and has since appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court. The other six are still on the run.

Blessing Chiwanza (18) denied the three charges of malicious damage to property, assault and obstructing the course of justice when he appeared before provincial magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura.

Chiwanza was also being charged with causing public violence, as defined in Section 36(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) Chapter 09:23.

The matter was remanded to a later date for trial. Mrs Chiundura advised him to apply for bail at the High Court citing juris- diction.

Representing the State was public prosecutor Mr Fletcher Karombe, who told the court that on April 8, Chiwanza – in the company of six others – went to Odzi Business Centre armed with knives and catapults.

“They mobilised themselves and started assaulting the complainants with booted feet, open palms and used both the knives and catapults they had in their possession.

“They went on to stab the rear tyre of a commuter omnibus with the knives they were carrying. Chiwanza was seen using a stone to smash the front windscreen of the commuter omnibus,” said Mr Karombe.

It was further alleged that Chiwanza and company assaulted Constable Mavhiki, a police officer, who appeared at the scene in a bid to bring peace at the business centre.

Chiwanza was remanded in custody.