Pair charged over killing of police officer during fuel riots in Bulawayo

BULAWAYO – Two men on Monday appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate charged over the killing of a police officer in Njube suburb during fuel protests on January 14.

Prosecutors say Charles Thomas, 56, and Bernard Sibanda, 18, stoned Constable Alexio Maune to death after a violent confrontation between protesters and the police.

Maune, who was stationed at Entumbane Police Station, was buried at his rural home in Matsikidze Village under Chief Shumba in Masvingo last Saturday.

Thomas and Sibanda were remanded in custody when they appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Tinashe Tashaya.

Thomas is a prominent activist who has campaigned for justice for victims of the Gukurahundi genocide for years. He was once charged with treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, but was acquitted.

Mufaro Mageza, for the prosecution, told the court that Maune was fleeing an angry mob and attempted to seek refuge at J84 in Njube, but was struck by a stone thrown by Sibanda and he fell to the ground. Thomas allegedly hit Maune with a stone repeatedly on the back of his head until blood gushed out.

The state alleges Maune succumbed to the injuries after being hospitalised.

“The two were part of the mob that was committing public violence. Sibanda struck Maune with a stone on the head and he fell to the ground. The mob grabbed Maune and ordered him to the ground before Thomas repeatedly struck him at the back of his head until blood gushed out,” said the prosecutor.

So far, 162 suspects have appeared at the Tredgold Magistrates Court facing 82 charges ranging from incitement of violence, looting, arson, violence, barricading roads to attempted murder.

Across the country, reports say at least 700 people have been arrested including six MDC MPs and prominent activist Evan Mawarire. The state is charging Mawarire with treason.

Midlands had the highest number of people arrested at 196, Harare made 181 arrests, Bulawayo now 162, Mashonaland West 86 arrests, Manicaland 80 arrests, Mashonaland East 21 arrests and Mashonaland Central 16 arrests.