Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A RUSAPE mushika-shika driver, who allegedly fatally assaulted a client following a route disagreement, and dumped the body near a service station along the Harare-Mutare Highway, has been arrested after a public tip-off.
The deceased, Desire Saruwaka, was found dead near Zuva Service Station, on September 13.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Collen Kasu, of Mabvazuva, Rusape, after swift investigations prompted by a public tip-off.
“We can confirm that police in Rusape are investigating a murder case, as defined in Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). The case involves the tragic death of Desire Saruwaka (56) from DC Mutasa, who was the elder brother of former legislator for Mutasa Central, Trevor Saruwaka. One murder suspect, Collen Kasu, has been arrested, and is cooperating with our investigations,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka added: “On September 13, police received an anonymous call, reporting that a man’s body was found lying near Zuva Service Station. Our officers from ZRP Rusape Central and CID detectives promptly attended the scene. The deceased was found lying on his back, wearing a black pair of jeans, purple T-shirt, and blue plastic shoes. A small wound was visible on the back of his head, with blood oozing from his mouth. The body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post-mortem, and fingerprints were recorded to aid investigations.”
He said initially, efforts to identify the deceased and find leads had proved unsuccessful. However, a breakthrough came later that day.
“Around 1pm, police received a tip-off that the deceased was assaulted by the driver of a white Nissan AD van (AHC 6444).
Another tip-off at 2pm indicated the vehicle was hidden in Mabvazuva, Rusape,” he said, adding that a team of six police officers was deployed on night patrol, and tracked the vehicle’s tyre marks to a bushy area where they found it hidden.
The driver, Washington Chari (29), of Vengere, was questioned.
“During the interview, Chari claimed he had borrowed the vehicle from a friend for temporary use. We then contacted the vehicle’s owner, Kumbirai Ngorima of Magamba Extension, who revealed that the car was in the custody of his driver, Collen Kasu, at the time of the incident,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, adding that the breakthrough led to Kasu’s arrest.
“Later that night, around 11pm, police raided Kasu’s residence in Mabvazuva. When questioned, Kasu confessed committing the offence. He was promptly arrested and detained at ZRP Rusape Central. His admission has substantially progressed our investigations,” he said, adding that the deceased was positively identified by his relatives on September 14.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka issued a stern warning to the public against engaging in violence and lawlessness.
“We reiterate that violence is never a solution to disputes. It only leads to tragedy and unnecessary loss of life. Those who resort to criminal conduct will face the law. We urge citizens to resolve differences amicably and through lawful channels,” he said, and further commended the public for providing crucial information that aided in tracking down the suspect.
“This case highlights the importance of community-police cooperation in fighting crime. The tip-offs received were vital in identifying the suspect and recovering the vehicle used in the crime.
We encourage communities to continue collaborating with law enforcement to ensure criminals face justice,” he said.
