THE acquittal of a police officer on an assault charge has irked a Pumula North man who was allegedly beaten by the cop on accusations of failing to pay back money he owed. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
The Pumula North Police Station-based cop Alson Mpofu (39), who had been charged with assault, denied the charge when he appeared before Western Commonage Court magistrate Tancy Dube last week.
Dube found Mpofu not guilty and acquitted him, but the acquittal has irked the complainant Peter Dera (58).
Dera said he was confused over how the police officer could have been found not guilty when he had produced a medical report showing he was assaulted using clinched fists and a baton stick.
He sustained internal head injuries and on the left leg.
Dera indicated that he would further pursue the case.
A doctor’s report seen by Southern Eye dated March 25 2014 showed that moderate to severe force was used to assault Dera.
Dera had said the cop assaulted him in the presence of his wife, but in his ruling, the magistrate said the complainant had exaggerated in his evidence when he said he ran away from his home after the officer threatened to hit him with a hammer.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Dube felt that Dera had also concealed what really transpired and evidence from the medical affidavit was not supported by evidence gathered in court.
“In my view the complainant got injured after he left the accused’s place because the evidence gathered in court does not show that accused committed the offence,” Dube ruled.
It was the State’s case that on March 16 2013 at around 6pm, Dera was invited by Mpofu to his place of residence. When he arrived at around 8.45pm, Mpofu allegedly demanded to know when Dera would pay back $200 he had lent him in January 2013.
A misunderstanding ensued and Mpofu allegedly assaulted Dera several times all over the body using open hands, clinched fists and a baton stick. Dera reported the matter to the police.
Twitter feedback @silasnkala
