dyton mupawaenda
Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau
A suspected rustler caught selling stolen cattle in Mutoko allegedly committed suicide after he had been locked in a holding room as villagers waited for the police to arrive and arrest him.
It is alleged that on October 10, Kelvin Gwati Nyakajasa (25) from Nyamuzizi Village under Chief Mutoko went to Dhumaira Business Centre where he met Emmanuel Maocha (27) and told him that he was selling two cattle at US$400 each.
Allegations are that Maocha then told another villager, who showed interest in buying the cattle.
However, the villager then teamed up with others and started to question Nyakajasa if the cattle were his, to which he said yes. Upon further questioning, it is reported that Nyakajasa changed his story and said he had stolen the cattle.
The villagers immediately effected a citizen’s arrest and tied his hands and legs, before locking him in a room used by the neighbourhood watch committee. It is alleged that while inside the room, he untied himself and used the rope to hang himself from the beam of the roof.
Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident.
“Reports are that on October 9, 2023 around 6pm, Mr Chireri Chimuriwo (63) penned 11 cattle, five belonging to him while the other six belonged to Mr Derick Katsande of Nyamuzizi Village.
“The next morning, Mr Chimuriwo found all the cattle missing. Now, on the following day, when Nyakajasa was caught selling the cattle, at first, he said the cattle belonged to him, but later said the cattle belonged to Mr Chimuriwo who had given him authority to sell the cattle.
“After the villagers questioned him, further demanding anything to prove he was selling on behalf of Mr Chimuriwo, Nyakajasa then revealed that he was lying and had stolen the cattle. The villagers immediately effected a citizen arrest and locked him in a room. They then left to make a police report and also to inform owners of the cattle. When they came back, they found him hanging from a roof beam, dead. He had allegedly used the rope which they had used to tie his hands and legs. The owners of the cattle arrived and positively identified their cattle,” he said.
Insp Chazovachiyi said investigations into the matter were in progress.
He urged the public to ensure water-tight security for their livestock.
Online Reporter