Harare Cop Kidnapped, Ear Biten in Kombi Attack

A police traffic officer lost part of his right ear after being assaulted and forcibly kidnapped by a Kombi driver and his conductor in Rhodesville, Harare, on Sunday.

Constable Shadreck Jongwe, 36, was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

The suspects, 35-year-old Shepherd Kazingizi and 29-year-old Takudzwa Pachavo, both from Ruwa, allegedly ignored police orders and kidnapped Constable Jongwe while he was escorting their vehicle from Harare Central Business District to Eastlea.

Cst Jongwe and Constable Chinhamo were on duty enforcing traffic laws when they stopped Kazingizi for picking up passengers at an undesignated point.

Jongwe reportedly decided to escort the white Toyota Hiace (registration AGJ 9866) to the Roadport police post to ensure the driver paid the fine, while Chinhamo remained at the intersection.

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According to H-Metro, Kazingizi allegedly drove off with Jongwe inside the vehicle, heading east along Robert Mugabe Way.

During the ordeal, Pachavo reportedly assaulted Jongwe with repeated blows, including biting his right ear, before abandoning him near Rhodesville.

The suspects were later arrested after the vehicle owner, Melisa Manon’ore, intervened.

A conductor based at the Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, who identified himself as Nyamudzanga, condemned the attack.

“You never win a battle with the police. Their actions are reckless and will only escalate tensions between law enforcers and Kombi drivers,” he said.

“I suspect they were under the influence.”