Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A 29-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of liberation war hero Amos Chinyamutangira, 63, on Friday.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said Malvin Mukono of Madewekunze Village, under Chief Zimunya, was arrested after investigators matched the vehicle fragments found at the scene.
The accident occurred around 4:30am on Friday when Chinyamutangira was walking along the Mutare-Masvingo Road, near Cannibal Inn.
The motorist fled the scene without rendering any assistance.
A passer-by, Stanley Chinyan’anya, alerted Mutare Rural Police.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said police found Chinyamutangira’s body five metres off the road, with severe injuries, including a fractured leg, broken neck and head trauma.
Crucial evidence was also discovered, including fragments of a damaged vehicle, such as a left rear-view mirror and pieces of a broken headlamp.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said the breakthrough in the case came when detectives noticed a distinctive sticker on the shattered rear view mirror.
“On August 29, around 10am, our officers investigated the shell of the left rear view mirror recovered at the scene, which carried a sticker of Paul Mwazha, of the African Apostolic Church.
“Using this lead, police obtained video footage from the 22 Miles tollgate of all vehicles that had passed between 3:30am and 5:30am.
“The footage revealed a Nissan AD Van (AGO 8101), displaying the same stickers that matched the broken mirror from the scene,” he said.
The vehicle was traced to its registered owner, Samuel Mukono, of Mutare City Centre, who revealed that his son, Malvin, had been driving the car that morning.
Police promptly arrested the suspect at Madewekunze Village, and impounded the vehicle for further inspection.
Ass Insp Chinyoka added:
“The accused admitted the offence and is cooperating with police investigations.
“The vehicle has been referred to the Vehicle Examination Department in Mutare for further inspections. Investigations are ongoing.”
The deceased’s niece, Rumbidzai Chinyamutangira, said:
“As a family, we are still grieving the loss of our beloved uncle in such a tragic manner. However, knowing that the person responsible has been apprehended brings us some relief.
“At least we now know the truth, and justice is being served,” she said.
Chinyamutangira was laid to rest yesterday afternoon at the Manicaland Provincial Heroes Acre in Mutare where fellow war veterans, community members, and Government officials gathered to honour his legacy.
Mathew Masinge