Amos Mpofu [email protected]
THE Famona/Muckklenock community in Bubi District, Matabeleland North, is mourning the death of a resident who was killed during a violent attack by a suspected gang that allegedly terrorised villagers and besieged homes.
The attack occurred at around 11.20pm on 16 October, leaving one person dead and several others injured, with residents traumatised and fearful for their safety.
Police have confirmed that five of the 15 suspected gang members have been arrested, while investigations are continuing to account for the remaining suspects.
Speaking to Zimpapers, a neighbour of the deceased, Mr Lovemore Moyo, described him as a humble and compassionate man who valued unity and community development.
Mr Moyo said the deceased operated a tuckshop in the village, where he sold basic commodities, and suspected that the business might have made him a target.
“He had a tuckshop where he sold basic goods here in the village. I think he became a target of the gang because he owns that tuckshop. We are deeply devastated by this shocking spree, which has claimed the life of my neighbour. He was a good man, a man of integrity, soft-spoken and someone who minded his own business most of the time. He encouraged us, his neighbours, to embrace a development mindset. He was a loving man who used to help other community members whenever one of us was in need,” said Mr Moyo.
Residents said the attackers appeared to have detailed knowledge of the area and allegedly targeted households where they believed money was kept, including homes linked to gold trading.
Some residents, speaking in Bubi, said the attack had left the community living in fear and appealed to the Government to intervene and strengthen security.
“It seems as if these boys had a clear knowledge of this community. They knew households where there was a possibility of finding money. They would also attack anyone they met. We are traumatised, and we wish the Government to intervene and ensure that such threats to the community are eliminated through whatever means,” said the residents.
The attackers allegedly descended on homesteads under the cover of darkness, prompting residents to raise the alarm and report the violence to the police.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway to identify and apprehend everyone involved.
“On October 16, at around 11.20pm, at Bluemoon Night Club, a gang of 15 people terrorised villagers in the Famona/Muckklenock area of Bubi. Community members reported the attacks, during which the gang also laid siege to their homes,” he said.
“One person was killed while several others were injured. So far, five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations are continuing to account for the remaining members of the gang.”
Commissioner Nyathi warned members of the public against resorting to violence or engaging in criminal activities, particularly cattle rustling and disputes linked to mining operations.
He said police would not tolerate lawlessness that threatened the safety and security of communities, adding that anyone implicated in the attacks would face the full force of the law.
