Tendai Gukutikwa
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
POLICE in Mutare are seeking information that could lead to the arrest of an assailant who attacked a 41-year-old street dealer, Tapiwa Brian Mhlanga, who later died from his injuries.
Mhlanga, a resident of Mundembe in Sakubva, was ambushed and struck on the back of the head by an unknown assailant using an unknown object.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, and said Mhlanga was initially admitted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and discharged.
He was then readmitted after his condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to his death.
“Mhlanga was a well-known dealer in Mutare’s Central Business District.
On April 14, 2025, around 8:30pm, Mhlanga was heading home from town when he was attacked near the sports field in Sakubva’s OTS section. He was hit on the back of the head with an unknown object, fell unconscious, and later woke up and went home,” he said.
Mhlanga informed his sister, Rumbidzai Makwiza, about the incident, and she accompanied him to report the case at ZRP Sakubva the following morning.
“Although Mhlanga was unable to speak at the time, he was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for treatment and was admitted. He was discharged on April 16, 2025, but his condition worsened, and he was readmitted on April 21, 2025, ultimately succumbing to the injuries,” he said.
The deceased sustained bruises on his head and face.
Police are appealing for information leading to the arrest of the assailant, urging anyone with information to contact their nearest police station.
Online Reporter