Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A FAMILY spokesperson to the local businessman who was shot twice in the chest and died on the spot before he was robbed of US$10 000 has confirmed the shocking incident.
Speaking to The Chronicle Mr Austin Rutanhira said his brother was murdered in cold blood last night and is survived by four children.
“He was shot dead last night around 11PM. Tedious Rutanhira was 52-years-old and had been a businessman for years. He was married and is survived by four children,” said Austin.
“They lived at Woodville Plots and that is where mourners are gathered.”
The family spokesperson described the deceased as a pillar of the family and unifier.
“We have lost a solid man who was a go-to for the family. Everyone who faced a problem or wanted advice would approach him as he had an open-door policy,” he said.
Austin said the family was devastated by the incident and at a loss for words.
“We are devastated and heart-broken. The manner in which he was killed is heart-breaking. We are pinning our hopes on the police to do their investigations and arrest them,” he said.
“Relatives and elders are gathering and some are on the way to the late’s home. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
The incident occurred at around 11PM yesterday near a fuel service station situated at 3rd Avenue along Joshua Mqabuko Street.
A source close to the case told The Chronicle that the deceased had just closed his shop and was heading to his car.
“While he was walking towards his car, two armed men emerged and tried to forcibly take the bag he was clutching but he resisted. They then fired shots at him, killing him on the spot.
“They took the bag, which contained cash amounting to US$10 000 and fled,” said the source.
Taxi drivers tried to effect a citizen’s arrest but the robbers shot towards them as they fled.
