The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Weekender Correspondent
IT NEVER rains but pours for a soldier, who is implicated in an kidnapping and assault case involving a freelance journalist, as he faces fresh charges of assaulting a motorist while on duty.
Hope Mwaipa (33) denied the assault charges when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Perseverance Makala on Tuesday.
Mwaipa is part of a team of law enforcement agents that is controlling traffic in Mutare’s Central Business District and surrounding areas. The team is made up of police officers, soldiers and municipal cops.
Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted. Allegations were that on May 22 Mwaipa was at Dangamvura bus termini where the complainant had parked his Toyota Fan Cargo.
“He shouted at the complainant, jumped into the vehicle and then instructed him to drive to Mutare Civic Centre where he poured cold water on him using a horse pipe. Together with an accomplice who is still at large the suspect further assaulted the complainant using a baton stick and open hands,” said Mr Karombe.
The complainant sustained soft tissue injuries.
Mwaipa was remanded to June 26 and was granted $50 bail. As part of the bail conditions, he was ordered to keep residing at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses. He was being represented by Mutare lawyer Mr Innocent Mandikate.
