Moffat Mungazi
Crime Reporter
NINE suspected touts, accused of wreaking havoc in Rusape a fortnight ago in a violent bid to take over control of bus termini, and extorting loading fees from transport operators, have been arrested.
In a recent incident, the touts severely attacked a fellow tout, Paradzai Zimunya (27) with machetes, leaving him for dead.
He remains hospitalised at Rusape General Hospital, where his condition is now stable.
The gang was apprehended last week while en-route to Rusape, allegedly intending to commit further acts of violence.
Alert police had gathered intelligence on their activities and intercepted them. At the time of their arrest, the suspects were travelling in a Toyota Wish vehicle loaded with stones, sticks and knobkerries.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of Bernard Maunganidze (27), Macdonald Mukaranga (28), Trust Nyamusosa (24), Desire Matakure (19), Anesu Silver (18), Tatenda Marange (24), Blessing Chikukwa (30), Martin Ngonidzashe (22) and Alka Evans Magodo (32).
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Maunganidze, who was first arrested alone, appeared in court facing one count of attempting to kill Zimunya.
He was released on US$100 bail by Rusape magistrate, Mrs Babra Mateko.
Mr Marlon Makamba prosecuted.
“On February 28, police received information that there were accused persons driving in a Toyota Wish en-route to Rusape from Mutare to cause violence. Police deployed teams along the highway. The car was spotted just before Rusape, and a chase ensued.
“The accused person dumped the vehicle, and fled in different directions. The suspects were later arrested in Rusape. Their car was searched and it had stones, sticks and knobkerries. On March 1, the accused persons were taken to court, facing three counts of public violence. They appeared before magistrate, Ms Rufaro Mangwiro, while Mr Makamba prosecuted.
“On March 3, the eight accused persons who were represented by Mr Farai Matinhure, of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners were denied bail, and remanded in custody to March 17 for trial,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Online Reporter