Mutare, May 26, 2024 — The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of several bus operators, touts, rank marshals, and criminal gangs following violent clashes at the Mutare bus rank on May 23 and 24, 2024.
The detainees include:
- Isau Mupfumi (62)
- Jelous Mukorera (36)
- Michael Chigaro (37)
- Tatenda Chamusingarevi (22)
- Cassidy Chabvuta (33)
- Clayton Muchineripi (24)
- Kudzanai Neshiri (24)
- Donemore Dube (44)
- Taurai Gumende (36)
- Constantine Makombe (21)
- Tawanda Matara (42)
- Liberty Simonyi (28)
- Rodrick Chiutsi (32)
- James Bhekete (35)
- Daniel Kaibo (35)
- Daniel Edmore Shupai (25)
- Noah Mabota (26)
- Wayne Mafuta (21)
- Blessing Chikukwa (30)
- Donald Matakure (23)
- Oracio Migayo (18)
- Luckmore Shamhu (30)
Police reports reveal that some suspects were hired and compensated to incite violence, armed with machetes and other weapons. In one confrontation, officers were forced to fire warning shots to control the situation, where gangs were attacking each other with machetes, stones, iron bars, and various other weapons. Unfortunately, several bystanders were injured during the chaos.
Recovered items include several vehicles and an assortment of weapons:
- White Toyota Hiace (Reg. ABF 2518)
- White Toyota Belta (Reg. AFA 6517)
- White Mazda 323 (Reg. ABM 8801)
- Silver Toyota Wish (Reg. AEP 6689)
- White Honda Fit (Reg. AFM 1550)
- White Toyota Aqua (Reg. AGG 0083)
- Knives, hoe handles, iron bars, stones, two slushiers, a red and black sjambok, and a 1.5-meter deformed bar
Police investigations indicate that the violence stemmed from a dispute over loading bays and ranks at the Harare-Mutare Old Rank and Mudzviti Rank, involving Mupfumi Buses and Mukumba Buses.
The police are now seeking information that could lead to the arrest of Leonard Mukumba, owner of Mukumba Buses (Inter-Africa Bus Services), in connection with the violence.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to provide any information that could assist in further arrests and ensures the community’s safety.
Positive Eye News
