A Harare City Council (HCC) police officer is battling for his life at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being struck by a motorist attempting to evade arrest.
The injured officer who was only identified as P/S Rombayi, sustained injuries whose severity remains undisclosed.
The council’s official Facebook page confirmed the incident, stating, “A Harare City Council (HCC) police officer has been rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment after being hit by an errant motorist trying to avoid arrest.”
The statement further noted that the extent of the officer’s injuries is yet to be determined.
The Facebook post serves as the primary source of information regarding this incident. The council’s statement, while brief, underscores the gravity of the situation.
The lack of further detail from the council’s official statement leaves many questions unanswered, including the precise location of the incident, the time of the collision, and the specific circumstances leading to the attempted arrest.
The motorist involved in the incident, however, did not escape. The council’s statement confirms that the driver was apprehended by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), demonstrating a swift response from national law enforcement agencies to this serious incident.
The arrest suggests that the motorist will likely face charges related to the collision, potentially including reckless driving, assault, and obstruction of justice. The exact charges will depend on the findings of the ongoing police investigation.
The incident has once again brought to the forefront the risks faced by municipal police officers in the performance of their duties.
These officers often work in challenging environments, dealing with traffic violations, parking infringements, and other by-law infractions. Their work frequently puts them in direct contact with members of the public, some of whom may be uncooperative or even hostile.
