Policeman Loses Part Of His Ear In Brutal Attack By Kombi Crew

A traffic police officer lost part of his right ear after being attacked by a kombi crew who allegedly kidnapped him while he was on duty in Harare on Sunday.

Constable Shadreck Jongwe (36) was abducted and assaulted by the driver and conductor of a white Toyota Hiace (registration AGJ 9866) after he stopped the vehicle for picking up passengers at an undesignated spot along Robert Mugabe Road.

Constable Jongwe and his colleague, Constable Chinhamo, were carrying out routine traffic duties when they flagged down the kombi, which Shepherd Kazingizi was driving.

When Kazingizi was told to drive to the Roadport parking bays to pay a fine, he instead sped off with Constable Jongwe still inside the vehicle.

Police say that while the kombi was heading towards Eastlea, the conductor, Takudzwa Pachavo (29), repeatedly assaulted the officer. During the attack, part of Constable Jongwe’s right ear was bitten off.

The injured officer was later dumped along Robert Mugabe Road near Rhodesville and was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.

Police said the swift intervention of the vehicle’s owner, Melisa Manon’ore, led to the arrest of both Kazingizi and Pachavo, who are now in custody.