SHURUGWI – A police officer and another motorist were injured on Thursday after a kombi driver, resisting arrest for a traffic offence, drove his vehicle into police roadblock drums, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
The incident, which occurred at a police checkpoint along the Gweru-Zvishavane road, has left authorities searching for the driver, George Mandaraza, who fled the scene after the collision.
Police confirmed on Friday that they have opened investigations into attempted murder allegations against Mandaraza.
The drama unfolded at the 42-kilometre peg along the Gweru-Zvishavane Road. Mandaraza, 34, was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi, registration number AFE 1506, with three passengers on board. He was stopped at the roadblock and arrested for a traffic offence.
However, while being escorted to the nearest police station, Mandaraza made a sudden U-turn and intentionally drove his kombi towards the roadblock, hitting the police drums with force.
The impact sent the kombi veering off the road, where it struck streetlights before colliding head-on with a Honda Fit vehicle.
The collision left a police officer and the driver of the Honda Fit injured.
Police are appealing for any information that could lead to the arrest of Mandaraza, who is now facing serious charges.
“George Mandaraza, 34, who was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi, registration number AFE 1506 with three passengers on board was stopped at the roadblock where he was arrested for a traffic offence and was escorted to the nearest police station,” said police in a statement.
“Along the way, the suspect made a U-turn and intentionally drove the kombi towards the roadblock where he hit the police drums. Subsequently, the kombi veered off the road and hit streetlights before being involved in a head on collision with a Honda Fit vehicle.”
Police are urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations and to exercise caution on the roads.
The incident has also highlighted the need for increased security measures at police roadblocks. The police are investigating the incident and are determined to bring Mandaraza to justice.
The injured police officer and the driver of the Honda Fit are receiving medical treatment.
