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Fungai Jachi Court Correspondent
A 29-year-old man accused of 15 different criminal offences, including assaulting a police officer and extorting money from his mother-in-law, was yesterday arraigned before the Mbare Magistrates’ Court.

Albert Ushewokunze, of No. 298 Engineering, Highfield, appeared before magistrate Ms Anita Tshuma.

He is facing five counts of assault, five of malicious damage to property, two counts of theft, one count of disorderly conduct and one of extortion.

He was remanded in custody to January 19.

Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Chirambira alleged that on October 31 last year, Ushewokunze attacked Happymore Gwande, a police officer, with an unknown object, accusing him of having an affair with his wife. The court heard that Ushewokunze went on to take Gwande’s police identity card and his mobile phone.

On November 2, Ushewokunze allegedly deflated Fidel Marume’s car tyres after they had a misunderstanding over the manner he was driving.

It is the State’s case that on December 10 last year, Ushewokunze destroyed Beulah Muchanyerei’s EcoCash booth valued at $500 following a misunderstanding with his wife who works there.

On November 15, Ushewokunze allegedly insulted his mother-in-law while demanding back the bride price he paid for his wife. He also extorted $100 from the mother-in-law, threatening to burn down her house if she failed to give him the money.

Allegations are that on October 6 last year, Ushewokunze struck his friend with an iron bar on the back before stoning his car for unclear reasons, causing damage worth $700. The court heard that in May, Ushewokunze stole a mobile phone worth $500 from a soldier at a party.

Ushewokunze was arrested after different matters were reported to police.

The total value of property he damaged and stole was $1 800 and nothing was recovered.