Constable James Chikuvire, 38, is facing charges under Section 89 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] for assaulting Sergeant Biggie Shoko, 48, during a deployment at the 222km peg in Gweru Rural District on the night of 10 May 2025.
According to the memo from the Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Chikuvire had not reported for duty at the station and only appeared at the roadblock site later in the evening, “in civilian attire” and under the influence of alcohol.
“The accused was not at the Station when the team was briefed for deployment. He only appeared when the roadblock team was at Chaka Business Center in civilian attire,” the memo states. “Complainant observed that accused was drunk and could not be part of the roadblock team.”
When Sgt Shoko advised Chikuvire to return to the station, the constable reportedly became aggressive, “started shouting arguing that he should be part of the team.” Due to the disruption, the officer in charge, Assistant Inspector Songozo, instructed the team to abandon the roadblock and return to base.
The team later resumed duties, but Chikuvire returned to the scene, still intoxicated and carrying alcohol. “Accused returned holding a quart of Black Label beer and dressed in civilian attire. He went straight onto the middle of the road and started stopping traffic with the right hand while the left hand was holding beer bottle,” reads the report.
Sgt Shoko approached Chikuvire in an attempt to remove him from the road, fearing he would be hit by passing vehicles. The memo states that Chikuvire then became violent, “slapped the complainant twice on the face and head butted him once on the left side of the head.”
He attempted a second headbutt but missed and “fell down hitting the tarmac with his mouth.” Chikuvire allegedly tried to continue the assault but was restrained by fellow officers, including Sgt Kusereka and Constables Kanjera and Mugari.
Sgt Kusereka called for backup, and a Community Liaison Committee member, Dennis Muzunze, assisted in subduing and arresting the suspect. A report was filed at ZRP Charandura and the accused was detained under DB 55/25.
He is expected to appear at Mvuma Magistrates Court in the coming days. Sgt Shoko was referred to St. Theresa Hospital for medical examination and is reported to be in stable condition.