By A Correspondent- An officer stationed at Magwegwe Police Station was dragged to the dock for allegedly assaulting a woman for “hiding” a fugitive.

It is alleged that on 31 May 2019, Brian Mugandi, a police officer, was in the company of three colleagues; James Runesu, Luzibo Kasondela and Nkosilathi Khumalo and the quartet was looking for an ex-convict and parolee Norman Zikhali. 

The police officers suspected that Zikhali was holed up at Sitshengisiwe Sibanda’s house. The 46-year-old woman stays in Old Magwegwe suburb. 

It was not mentioned in court why the law enforcement officers wanted to see the ex-convict Zikhali. 

It’s alleged that Sibanda professed ignorance of Zikhali’s whereabouts and the police officers asked to search her house. 

“I told them that I know longer stay with Zikhali as he is now my ex-husband and while Constable Runesu requested for my details, his colleague Constable Mugandi started assaulting me saying that I was hiding a fugitive that the police were looking for. 

“As a result of the assault I sustained a broken arm and the police officers also proceeded to handcuff me and took me to the police station,” Sibanda narrated her ordeal at the Western Commonage Magistrates Court. 

Mugandi pleaded not guilty.