BUSINESSMAN ARRESTED FOR PREVENTING ARREST

MANZINI – A businessman has been arrested after he allegedly threatened and pushed police officers who were trying to arrest and collect evidence from his employee who was allegedly drunk.

Gary John Barlow (50) of Ezulwini at Luntsantsama is said to have obstructed, interfered and threatened police officers when they were collecting evidence and necessary information from one George Mavhunga who was involved in a car accident. Barlow is said to have pulled Mavhunga away from the officers and later pushed the officers using force and violence.

The businessman was further charged with failing to comply with police instructions by taking away Mavhunga and further ordering him to leave the accident scene after he had been ordered not to do so by the said police officers.
When the police tried arresting Barlow for disturbing them and taking away Mavhunga from the scene, he is alleged to have resisted arrest by refusing to board a police van and refused to be detained by the said officers.

Barlow pleaded guilty to the offence of obstructing, interfering and threatening police officers when they were collecting evidence and that of taking Mavhunga away from the accident scene.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest and refusing to board a police van and to be detained by police officers. He was acquitted and discharged on the offence.

Barlow was represented by Bongani Manyatsi, who informed the court that his client was a businessman who employed over 25 locals in his businesses and was remorseful.
The attorney further said it was not his client’s intention to commit the said offences. Manyatsi said Barlow was rushing Mavhunga to hospital when he took him away from the accident scene as he was badly injured.
The businessman was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a E2 000 fine for each of the two offences. Magistrate Sindisile Zwane ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

On the other hand, Mavhunga (22), a Zimbabwean national, is said to have driven his vehicle, a Nissan LDV negligently and lost control of it, knocking guardrails. After that, the vehicle is said to have veered off the road and overturned.

The suspect is said to have driven the vehicle without proper due care and attention.
Mavhunga also drove at an unreasonable speed at a curve and also failed to negotiate the gentle curve. He was admitted to E1 000 bail and is expected back in court tomorrow for trial.

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