The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of Esau Mupfumi and several other suspects in connection with public violence scenes which rocked Mutare on the 23rd and 24th of May 2024.
Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a Press Statement today.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Bus Operators, Touts, Rank Marshals, and Criminal Gangs in connection with public violence scenes which rocked Mutare on the 23rd and 24th of May 2024.
“The arrested suspects include: Esau Mupfumi (62),Jealous Mukorera (36), Michael Chigaro (37), Tatenda Chimusingarevi (22), Cassidy Chabvuta (33), Clayton Muchineripi (24), Kudzanai Neshiri (24), Donemore Dube (44), Taurai Gumende (36), Constantine Makombe (21), Tawanda Mataram (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), Lickmore Shamhu (30),” said Comm Nyathi.
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted that some of the suspects were hired and paid to engage in public violence.
“Some of the suspects were hired and paid to engage in public violence using vehicles whilst carrying machetes and other weapons.
“In one of the incidents, Police had to fire warning shots to effect arrests as the gangs were fighting and striking one another with machetes, stones, iron bars and other weapons.
“Some members of the public were caught in the crossfire,” read the statement.
The police announced that they have recovered vehicles and weapons which were used to commit the crime.
“The Police has recovered a white Toyota Hiece vehicle registration number ABF 2518, a white Toyota Belta vehicle registration number AFA 6517, a white Mazda 323 vehicle registration number ABM 8801, a silver Toyota Wish registration number AEP 6689, a white Honda Fit vehicle registration number AFM 1550, a white Toyota Aqua vehicle registration number AGG 0083, knives, hoe handles, iron bars, stones, two slushers, a red and black sjambock and a 1,5 meters deformed bar,” said Comm Nyathi.
He added that several complainants have made reports to the police.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that initial police investigations indicate that there is a fight over loading bays and ranks at Harare-Mutare Old Rank in Mutare CBD and Mudzviti Rank pitting Mupfumi Buses and Mukumba Buses.
Meanwhile, the police in a statement are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Leonard Mukumba, the owner of Mukumba Buses trading under the name Inter Africa Bus Services in connection with the orgy of violence.
In addition, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that any operator and their criminal gangs who try to cause chaos or violence at commuter ranks, or bus termini will face the full wrath of law.
The ZRP encouraged bus operators to lead by example and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order in the country.
Esau Mupfumi is the owner of Mupfumi Bus Services.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
