A TRAFFIC traffic police officer was severely assaulted by a Rutenga businessman at a roadblock along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road after the cop had demanded a spot fine.
The police officer, aged 30, is now said to be nursing some injuries as a result of the assault.
Masvingo acting ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the suspect was in police custody and would appear in court soon
The cop, identified as Advance Kaneta is attached to the Rutenga traffic post.
He was reportedly assaulted by Presence Taruvinga after the cop had raised issues about the number plate for Taruvinga's Mazda vehicle which was being driven by a man only identified as Mutaro.
Kaneta was said to have been manning the roadblock with three other officers when he stopped Mutaro.
Sources said the officer demanded a US$20 spot fine for the third number plate offence but Mutaro failed to pay as he did not have cash at hand.
Mutaro then called his boss Taruvinga to tell him what was happening. Taruvinga talked with Kaneta over the phone asking to be given a grace period to allow him to pay the fine later.
It is said that Kaneta refused to compromise, with his colleagues telling Taruvinga that they would not let Mutaro go until the spot fine was paid.
Moments later, Taruvinga arrived at the roadblock driving a Toyota vehicle. He approached Kaneta and allegedly began to assault him with open hands while other officers watched.
Taruvinga then drove off. He was later arrested.