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Taxi driver in dock for manhandling council cop

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A BULAWAYO taxi driver has landed himself in trouble after he allegedly manhandled a council security officer Nkululeko Phakathi, pushed him out of his vehicle before driving away to evade arrest.

A BULAWAYO taxi driver has landed himself in trouble after he allegedly manhandled a council security officer Nkululeko Phakathi, pushed him out of his vehicle before driving away to evade arrest.

BY SILAS NKALA

Lawrence Ncube (42) of Pumula South denied the charge of obstructing an authorised person from exercising his duty when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove yesterday.

The State alleges that the incident occurred in Bulawayo city centre on November 1 this year.

In his defence Ncube said he never interfered with the council official’s duties.

“Accused will state that on the day in question he had two passengers in a licensed taxi when complainant jumped into the taxi cab while it was in motion. The complainant was dressed in civilian clothes. The accused will state that he believed that the complainant was a passenger,” he submitted.

Ncube said while he was driving Phakathi unexpectedly began assaulting him. He said the charges against him were trumped up so as to cover up for the heinous assault committed by Phakathi.

Phakathi claimed that he arrested Ncube and instructed him to drive to Bulawayo City Council main stores, but the latter refused and instead drove towards Pelandaba West.

Along the way, Ncube allegedly stopped the car and grabbed Phakathi by the collar before pushing him out of the car. Ncube tried to escape but Phakathi teamed up with his workmates and apprehended him before handing him over to the police.