Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
THE grief is still raw for the family of Bulawayo businessman Tedious Rutanhira, who was shot dead by armed robbers while his son watched in horror just metres away.
What should have been an ordinary night after closing his shop turned into a nightmare that has left a family shattered, a business community in mourning and dozens of vendors wondering how they will cope without the man many regarded as a father, mentor and lifeline.
Rutanhira (52,) was laid to rest at Umvutshwa Cemetery in Bulawayo on Friday. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects, including vendors and small-scale traders who said his kindness and generosity had helped them feed their families and build their businesses.
While many came to honour a respected businessman, his family were saying goodbye to a loving husband, father and breadwinner whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
The atmosphere at the cemetery was heavy with sorrow as relatives, friends and business associates struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. Many called for justice and urged police to bring the killers to book.
His wife, Ngoni Rutanhira, fought back tears as she spoke about the man she shared her life with.
“Mwanangu (my child), I’m devastated and at a loss for words. He was a loving and supportive husband. He understood and appreciated me. He loved his children and taught them good principles of life and encouraged them to believe in God, and we joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church,” said the heartbroken Rutanhira.
For the family’s second-born child, the pain runs even deeper. He witnessed the terrifying moment his father was attacked and killed. The son, who asked not to be named, recalled the final moments before tragedy struck.
“We had just closed the shop and I remained behind locking the door. Within a few minutes, I saw two men charging towards my father and they shot him. The scene haunts me and I pray that law enforcement agents will eventually arrest them so that we can find closure as a family,” he said.
Beyond his immediate family, Rutanhira’s death has left a huge void among vendors and traders who depended on him for support.
Many described him as far more than a businessman. He was someone who believed in helping others get ahead.
Airtime vendor Maria Sibanda said he treated her like one of his own children and often trusted traders by providing airtime on credit.
“Rutanhira was a good man and he was more like a father to me. He would give us airtime on credit and we would pay him later. Now we’re worried about who is going to help us.”
Another vendor, Trymore Sibanda, said Rutanhira was always willing to help people during difficult times.
“Whenever I needed money to pay school fees for my children or to buy mealie-meal, he would help me, and now he is gone. Who will assist me and many others?”
His influence was also felt within the wider business community.
Businessman and political analyst Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire said many entrepreneurs benefitted from Rutanhira’s guidance and experience.
“I have known the late businessman for many years. Whenever I needed advice about my business, I would approach him and he would give me expert advice since he was a banker. We have lost a good man who wanted to see everyone living a better life.”
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Madzivire said he remained confident that investigators would eventually track down those responsible.
“I have confidence in the detectives from the Homicide section in Bulawayo and other security organs that they will eventually arrest the two armed men. I also appeal to members of the public to give the police a tip-off or any information that may lead to the arrest of the two killers,” said Madzivire.
The fatal shooting occurred at about 11PM on Monday near a fuel service station at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Street.
According to family spokesperson Austin Rutanhira, the businessman had just closed his shop and was walking towards his vehicle when the attackers struck.
“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 Austin Rutanhira.
In a courageous but unsuccessful attempt to stop the robbers, taxi drivers nearby tried to pursue them. The suspects responded by firing shots in their direction before escaping.
