Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A DARK cloud has engulfed Emakhandeni suburb following the tragic death of former first-division footballer and neighbourhood watch committee member, Godfrey Muzanenhamo, who was shot in the head by assailants while on patrol on Thursday night.
According to reports, Muzanenhamo was on night patrol with his team when they encountered a group of men emerging from a bush. It was at that moment that Muzanenhamo reportedly questioned the gang about where they were coming from and where they were headed. Soon after, one of the men drew a gun and shot Muzanenhamo in the head before fleeing the scene.
A source, who preferred anonymity, said Muzanenhamo was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before succumbing to the gunshot wound on Saturday night.
The assailants are believed to be part of an armed robbery syndicate that recently laid siege to shops at Entumbane Shopping Centre, targeting three sports bars in a violent spree that left residents in shock.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said investigations have established that the suspects behind Muzanenhamo’s shooting are the same individuals linked to the armed robbery attacks carried out in the suburb.
“The suspects are connected to the violent armed robbery incidents that occurred in Entumbane. We pass our sincere condolences to the family as we carry out investigations into the matter,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said police have intensified the manhunt for the armed gang, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.
“Criminals who think they can get away with murder will regret it. Criminals who kill police officers in the line of duty will be dealt with accordingly. This is also a message to criminals who think they are above the law. The law will be ruthless, and the police do not tolerate acts of terrorism and will respond accordingly to criminals. Zimbabwe is a lawful country and all citizens must abide by the law,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The family could not be drawn into commenting, requesting privacy as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved family member. Mourners are, however, gathered at house number 70220, New Lobengula.
The armed suspects, who were carrying an axe and a gun, are reported to have raided two sports bars in Entumbane suburb on Thursday night before proceeding to Emakhandeni, where they shot Muzanenhamo.
The gang assaulted three employees with the axe, fired three shots and then vanished into the darkness. The daring robbery at the two sports bars — Afri Sports Bar and Pick n Talk — took place just before midnight. The two facilities are less than 100 metres apart.
A security guard at Afri Sports Bar, Mr Devine Tsiga, said the robbers stormed into the bar and ordered patrons to lie down.
“They proceeded to the counter while we were still confused as to what was happening. One of them tried to axe me in the head, but I dodged and he struck me in the hand,” said Mr Tsiga.
He said that while he was being attacked, some of the gang members were already on the other side of the counter, demanding money from the bartender.
They then dragged the bartender outside the shop, where they axed him below the knee and fired one shot into the air before proceeding to Pick n Talk Sports Bar, where they fired two shots, ordering patrons to lie down.
“Everyone complied, but we are disturbed why they axed the bar lady,” said a patron.
When the news crew arrived at Afri Sports Bar, a section of the floor was still covered in blood — barely 24 hours after the robbers raided two sports bars in the same suburb.
The robbers later struck Gibixhegu Beerhall, popularly known as koHerbert, where three knife-wielding men got away with an assortment of beer in the early hours of the morning.
The robbers fled with seven bottles of Two Keys Whiskey, nine bottles of Gilbert Gin, three bottles of Viceroy, a bottle of Gordon’s Whiskey, 20 Star brands and an Itel cellphone, all valued at US$140.
Proprietor Herbert Ndebele said he was shocked at how the criminals managed to break open his most secure door. He said the reaction squad from the private security company saved the day.
