Detective fights for life after shooting

In the same robbery, the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Criminal Investigations Department’s Fraud Section, Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chatikobo, was shot and killed while four other people were seriously injured.

The gunmen got away with US$1 600 and R800.
Detective Constable Pedzisai Shoko was shot in the abdomen and right hand and was still admitted in hospital by end of business yesterday.
In an interview from Harare, chief national police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena, said Det Const Shoko was in a critical condition.
“He is still in a critical condition but I did not check whether or not he is in the ICU,” said Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena.

Sources within the force, however, said Det Const Shoko was still admitted in hospital although they were positive about his chances of survival.
“We are still carrying out investigations and are appealing to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the criminals to approach the police,” said Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena.
Speaking during Chief Supt Chatikobo’s funeral service, Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri said police are hunting for armed robbers nationwide and will shoot to kill those bent on killing, kidnapping or attempting to run over police officers in the course of their duties.

The fatal shooting of Chief Supt Chatikobo becomes the second in which a police officer died while on duty in less than six months.
Comm Gen Chihuri said the death of Chief Supt Chatikobo reminded police to remain vigilant.

He said the challenge was upon the police to grab the bull by its horns and not let Chief Supt Chatikobo’s death be in vain.
Comm Gen Chihuri said the police would not stand akimbo and watch innocent citizens of the country, let alone police officers, being decimated by uncouth criminals in a naïve and imbecile attempt to make a lawless society.

Com Gen Chihuri added that those who wanted to live by the sword must be prepared to die by the sword.
He said it was disturbing to note that society, particularly the so-called human rights organisations, were surreptitiously silent when unsung heroes like Chief Supt Chatikobo and the late Detective Sergeant Joseph Maximus (killed by armed robbers in Harare) among many others were killed everyday.