Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Danisa Masuku Zimpapers Writers
A Bulawayo businessman was fatally shot and robbed by a gang of robbers on Monday night as he walked to his son’s car.
Police have confirmed that the late Tadius Rutanhira was shot dead outside his shop before three armed suspects grabbed a bag containing US$10 000.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information, which may assist in the investigation of a murder and armed robbery case, which occurred near a service station along JMN Nkomo Street, between Fourth and Third Avenue in Bulawayo.
“Three unidentified suspects shot dead the victim, Tadius Rutanhira (52) with a pistol before fleeing with his bag containing US$10 000. The victim, who was a businessperson, had just closed his shop and was walking towards his son’s vehicle who had come to pick him up,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
A family spokesperson, Mr Austin Rutanhira, said his brother was shot twice in the chest in a cold-blooded robbery that has left the family shell-shocked.
The late businessman is survived by four children.
“He was shot dead last night around 11PM. He 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 heartbroken. 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.”
Taxi drivers tried to effect a citizen’s arrest but the robbers shot towards them as they fled.
When a Zimpapers news crew arrived at the scene yesterday morning, detectives from the Homicide Division were conducting investigations.
Tens of pirate taxis that operate at the illegal rank had been ordered to leave the area.
Touts, rank marshals and drivers were seen milling around the area waiting for the detectives to conduct their investigations.
The shop where the robbery and shooting took place was still closed.
A tout who operates at the illegal taxi rank who identified himself as Tari said the area is busy with
shoppers, drivers refuelling their vehicles and commuters but is not notorious for violence.
“Violence attracts the police and is frowned upon by our clients, the passengers that we ferry home and back into town everyday, so it’s bad for business.
“We have not worked for a couple of hours while CID detectives are doing their investigations and we are losing money so such incidents are not good for business,” said Tari.
A vendor who sells vegetables near the crime scene, Mrs Buhle Sithole, said she knew the deceased as a quiet man who greeted everyone who worked nearby his shop.
“No one deserves to die in such a violent manner. He was a good man who greeted vendors and everyone who operated in the area near his shop,” said Mrs Sithole.
