Mushikashika Driver Remanded In Custody For Savagely Beating Police Officer

A mushikashika operator from Mutare who was filmed violently assaulting a police officer has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court again on 13 July 2026 for trial.

Brenton Tsakatsa, 29, of House Number 1285, Chikanga 1, Mutare, appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Anne Ndiraya last Friday. He is represented by Passmore Gwizo of Mugadza and Chinzamba Legal Practitioners.

Tsakatsa faces a charge of assaulting or resisting a police officer under Section 176 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). He pleaded not guilty.

The charge stems from an incident on 29 June at around 10:20 am at the Apex Service Station in Mutare.

It is alleged that Tsakatsa unlawfully and intentionally assaulted, or violently resisted, Constable Maxwell Mkumbuzi while the officer was carrying out his duties.

The State contends Tsakatsa knew Mkumbuzi was a police officer, or realised there was a real risk he was.

Prosecutor Chris Munyuku told the court that Constable Mkumbuzi was on duty as part of “Operation No to Mushika-shika”, alongside Constable Machazi and Constable Mazambara.

Munyuku said Mkumbuzi approached Tsakatsa, who was driving an AD vehicle, registration AHH 5611, and shouting “One asara”. Mkumbuzi stood in front of the car and advised Tsakatsa that he was under arrest for touting.

Tsakatsa stopped the vehicle, got out and approached the officer before striking him several times with open hands.

During the assault, Mkumbuzi dropped a baton he was holding. Tsakatsa allegedly picked it up and hit the officer twice on the head and once on the left arm.

The accused then returned to his vehicle and drove off after noticing Constable Machazi approaching.

Constable Mkumbuzi sustained injuries and was medically examined. A medical affidavit will be produced in court as evidence.

Munyuku submitted that Mkumbuzi was acting lawfully at the time of the assault.

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