Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
A routine Saturday evening in Bulawayo’s city centre was shattered by the sound of gunfire, screeching tyres and a high-speed pursuit as police chased down a suspected drug dealer through busy streets before finally bringing him to a halt.
The dramatic incident, which unfolded shortly after 6pm, left shoppers, motorists and residents running for cover as armed officers pursued a vehicle through the Central Business District before making an arrest near the Famona Fire Brigade.
Police have since confirmed the arrest of 23-year-old Kalusher Mtetwa, who is alleged to have been dealing in dangerous substances.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspect was driving a blue Honda Fit GE6, registration number AHR 7991, when officers intercepted him along George Silundika Street between 8th and 9th avenues.
According to police, officers became suspicious after noticing the vehicle parked in what appeared to be unusual circumstances and approached it. However, instead of complying, the driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene, sparking a pursuit through the city.
The chase came to an end when the Honda Fit crashed into a road kerb near the Famona Fire Brigade, allowing officers to apprehend the suspect.
“A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of several sachets of dagga and Gorilla Glue, as well as Broncleer syrup and Astra Pain syrup,” said Comm Nyathi.
The incident triggered widespread panic among members of the public, many of whom initially had no idea what was happening as gunshots rang out across the area.
Witnesses said police had first tried to stop the Honda Fit near a bottle store on George Silundika Street before the vehicle sped away.
Some witnesses claimed that officers fired several shots towards the vehicle’s wheels in an effort to stop it.
During the pursuit, Mtetwa allegedly reversed his vehicle towards a crowd before manoeuvring away and accelerating from the scene, prompting officers to intensify the chase.
“Several armed police officers pursued the vehicle on foot, while police vehicles also joined the chase. Two officers were picked up by an unidentified gold-coloured Toyota, which also joined the pursuit,” said a witness.
As the chase continued towards 11th Avenue, witnesses reported seeing the Honda Fit being pursued by a white police Toyota pick-up truck, two Honda Fits and the unidentified gold-coloured vehicle.
For many people caught up in the unfolding drama, the experience was frightening.
“We were terrified when the bullets rang out. People were scattering everywhere. No fatalities occurred and no one was injured,” said the witness.
Sources alleged that Mtetwa is involved in the distribution of substances including Bronco, marijuana and Xanax among young people in Bulawayo.
Police have not yet released further details regarding the reported shooting, including the number of shots fired or whether any firearm or ammunition was recovered during the arrest.
Mtetwa is expected to appear in court soon facing charges related to the unlawful possession of drugs.
The investigation is continuing.
