Online Reporter
FOUR of the seven armed robbers who are suspected of having shot and killed prominent Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura have now been arrested.
The latest suspect was nabbed at the weekend in Sanyati after he was bashed by a mob.
Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, 41, was arrested after he shot and killed a police officer at Sanyati Police Station. Police have said the same weapon is the one which was used to shoot and kill Mutangadura at his home in August this year.
Mutasa had earlier been involved in a shootout with homicide detectives before he escaped from a house in a half-naked state.
He then shot and killed Detective Constable Courage Muchechesi in cold blood at Sanyati Police Station and robbed a man, who had come to report a case, before bolting away with the man’s US$5 note.
Mutasa, who was cornered and caught by some brave members of the public, received a thorough beating before he was handed over to the police.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that he was the fourth suspect in the Mutangadura murder case to be arrested.
Given Mandizadza (34), Phillip Mutasa (38) and Anesu Machadu, 32, have been arrested in connection with the case and have already appeared in court.
Comm Nyathi said police detectives from CID Harare received information that he was initially hiding in Kadoma and was later hiding in Sanyati, where he was renting a house.
When the detectives raided the house, there was a heavy shootout, during which one of the tenants was injured.A detective was also injured and is currently hospitalised.
Comm Nyathi said Mutasa escaped during the shootout and went to the police station where he then attacked Constable Muchechesi, whom he killed in cold blood.
Comm Nyathi thanked members of the public in Chakari, Patchway, Kadoma, and Sanyati who mobilised and formed a group that led to his arrest.
The arrest of four people, out of the seven who are suspected to have been the gang that raided Mutangadura’s home and killed him, is a big and welcome development.
It shows that our police officers are in control of the investigations and with more than half the suspects now in custody it’s very likely that the police will be able to get the remaining thugs.
Those in custody are likely to provide the tips which will help the police zero in on the remaining suspects.We also commend the role which was played by members of the public in the arrest of the latest suspect. Police have been very clear that their job can be helped, in a big way, by cooperation from members of the public.
Mutasa is a dangerous criminal and we are happy that he is finally behind bars.
That is exactly where he belongs and hopefully he will be there for a very long time.
We hope other criminals are also watching these developments and they will know that the long arm of the law will always catch up with them.
Mathew Masinge