Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
FOR a few tense minutes, the heart of Bulawayo was turned into a scene of chaos, as the crack of gunfire sent pedestrians scrambling for safety while police officers chased a suspected drug dealer through the city’s streets.
It was shortly after 6pm on Saturday when several gunshots rang out along George Silundika Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, sending people scurrying for cover as officers pursued a blue Honda Fit.
The drama unfolded near Watering Hole, where witnesses said police officers opened fire as they attempted to stop the vehicle suspected of being driven by a drug dealer.
The suspect has since been identified by police as 23-year-old Kalusher Mtetwa, who refused to stop.
Instead, witnesses said, the vehicle reversed towards a crowd before speeding away, triggering a frantic pursuit through the city.
Armed police officers, some carrying AK-47 rifles, were seen running after the vehicle while police cars joined the chase.
At one point, two officers were reportedly picked up by an unidentified gold-coloured Toyota, which also joined the pursuit.
The chase eventually headed towards 11th Avenue, with witnesses reporting that the Honda Fit was being followed by a white police Toyota pickup, two Honda Fits and the gold-coloured vehicle.
The dramatic pursuit ended when Mtetwa crashed the vehicle onto a curb near Famona Fire Brigade while allegedly attempting to evade arrest.
Police subsequently arrested him.
According to a national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Mtetwa was arrested on September 19 at about 6pm in connection with the unlawful possession of drugs.
“A search of the vehicle, a blue Honda Fit GE6, registration number AHR 7991, allegedly resulted in the recovery of several sachets of dagga and Gorilla Glue, as well as Bronclear and Astra Pain syrups,” he said.
He said the arrest brought to an end a chase that had left pedestrians and motorists startled as the pursuit unfolded in one of the city’s busiest areas.
Residents have alleged that Mtetwa is involved in the distribution of substances including Bronco, marijuana and Xanax to young people in Bulawayo.
The allegations could not be independently verified, as Mtetwa is yet to formally appear in court over the matters.
Police confirmed the arrest, but details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting and the number of shots fired were not immediately available.
