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Violence rocks Mbare as police touts clash

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ABOUT 50 touts operating at Mbare Musika were arrested yesterday after they allegedly ran amok and bashed police officers assigned to maintain order at the city’s busiest bus terminus.

ABOUT 50 touts operating at Mbare Musika were arrested yesterday after they allegedly ran amok and bashed police officers assigned to maintain order at the city’s busiest bus terminus.

By Hardlife Samuwi

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident, saying one unnamed police officer was admitted in hospital after sustaining serious injuries during the skirmishes.

She said one of the suspects was being charged with attempted murder.

“Touts at Mbare Musika were harassing women who later sought help from a police officer.

“The touts then turned on the officer and beat him up so badly that he is currently admitted in hospital with serious injuries,” Charamba said.

“Police will not tolerate such behaviour and we act swiftly to nip it in the bud. At least 50 were arrested early today (Thursday) and charged with public violence. They were arrested after they ganged up against the police beating them indiscriminately.”

Witnesses said the police officers were attacked after they attempted to repel some touts who were scrambling for passengers.

The touts allegedly ran amok and temporarily forced the closure of a police post at the bus terminus, before anti-riot police intervened and rounded up the suspects.