Mutare mushikashika operator arrested over alleged assault of police officer

Police say a Mutare mushikashika operator has been arrested after allegedly assaulting an officer at a service station.

MUTARE – A 29-year-old Mutare mushikashika operator has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer at a service station, an incident that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The suspect, Brendon Tsakatsa, of Chikanga 1, was arrested in connection with the incident, which police said occurred on 29 June 2026.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said the alleged victim is Constable Maxwell Mukumbuzi, who was on duty at the time of the incident. According to the police, investigations were launched after a video showing a motorist allegedly assaulting a police officer at a service station in Mutare gained widespread attention online. Police allege that Tsakatsa attacked the officer during the encounter. Details surrounding what led to the confrontation have not yet been disclosed.

The case has attracted significant public interest following the circulation of the footage across social media platforms. Commenting on the arrest, the ZRP warned public transport operators and members of the public against interfering with police officers carrying out their lawful duties.

"The ZRP strongly warns kombi and pirate taxi operators, as well as all members of the public, against assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers in the lawful execution of their duties. Such conduct constitutes a criminal offence, and offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts without fear or favour," the police said.

The force also urged members of the public who believe they have been treated unfairly by police officers to pursue complaints through established legal and administrative channels rather than resorting to violence.

"Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and utilise the appropriate complaint mechanisms where they are aggrieved by police conduct," the statement added.

"Mushikashika" is the term commonly used in Zimbabwe to describe unregistered or illegal taxi operators who provide public transport services outside the formal commuter transport system. Authorities have repeatedly said they are intensifying enforcement against traffic offences, illegal public transport operations and assaults on law enforcement officers.

Tsakatsa is expected to appear before the Mutare Magistrates' Court, where the allegations against him will be formally presented. As the matter is before the courts, the allegations remain untested, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.

Mutare mushikashika operator arrested