By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a statement refuting social media claims that an officer killed a child while attempting to hit a kombi loading at an unregulated point along Second Street in Harare.

According to the police statement, they conducted comprehensive investigations which revealed that a team of police officers were on duty along Second Street near Bindura commuter rank.

The police added that the officers tried to arrest a kombi crew for picking passengers at an undesignated point.

“The public is advised that comprehensive investigations conducted by the police command has revealed that a team of police officers was on traffic enforcement duties along Second Street near Bindura bound commuter rank, Harare on 4th January 2021 at 12 noon when one of the members tried to arrest a kombi crew for picking passengers at an undesignated point and contravening COVID-19 regulations,” the police said.

“The member smashed a Windscreen on the kombi and the fragments hit the mother and the baby. A fracas occurred as the mother and members of the public remonstrated against the officers. After negotiations by the parties, the mother and the baby were taken to West End Clinic where medical checks revealed that no injuries had been sustained by the baby or mother,” the police added.

Nyathi said both the police and the mother did not report the incident despite it having gone viral on social media.

He further denied claims that the child died as confirmed by medical personnel who examined the child.

“Surprisingly the police officers and the mother decided not to report the incident. They ignored the fact that the incident had been captured by various people through smart phones and posted on social media.

“The child is not dead as alleged on social media and this has been confirmed by medical personnel who are now in touch with the police and parents. The child was checked by medical experts on the same day and was not admitted at the hospital,” said the police.