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Zvikomborero Parafini
A MAN, wanted in connection with the brutal murder of a suspected thief in 2021, was arrested in Chiredzi after being on the run for three years.
Elton Pardon (27) appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi yesterday.
The court heard that on May 22, 2021, Pardon connived with his accomplices — Wallen Mupunga and Masimba Makoto — who have already appeared in court, to assault the late Tinotenda Mandiyanike.
They accused him of stealing Masimba’s US$400, seven pairs of jeans and spanners.
The trio allegedly stuffed cloths into the now deceased’s mouth to prevent him from screaming for help and tied him up before they assaulted him heavily.
They assaulted him using electric cables, car jumpers and a button until he admitted to stealing Masimba Makoto’s money and clothes.
They forced him to lead them to his house where they intended to recover the stolen property.
They searched the house, in the presence of Mandiyanike’s sisters, and didn’t recover anything.
The trio allegedly then took Mandiyanike back to their motor vehicle and drove off to the Sunway City area where they continued assaulting him until he became unconscious.
They then drove to Windsor 24-hour Medical Clinic, where they lied to Doctor Blessing Nyamvura, that he had been assaulted by a mob after stealing a cellphone.
The doctor checked Mandiyanike’s pulse but could not detect any sign of life and advised the accused to report the case at ZRP Ruwa.
The trio drove towards Norton where they dumped Mandiyanike’s body.
A motorist, who saw the body, reported the matter to the police.
Makoto was arrested first and implicated his accomplices.
Pardon went into hiding and was arrested last week after a tip-off was made to CID Homicide that he was hiding in Chiredzi.
Thomas Chanakira prosecuted.
Online Reporter