Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
AN armed robbery suspect who gunned down a cop at Sanyati Police Station was wanted by the police for allegedly taking part in the killing of the late Ruwa businessman, Joseph Mutangadura, in August this year.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the same pistol used to kill Constable Courage Muchechesi at ZRP Sanyati charge office on Sunday was also used in the robbery and fatal shooting of businessman Mutangadura.
The suspect, Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41), was arrested with the help of the public, becoming the fourth person to be nabbed in connection with the Mutangadura case.
Others already before the courts are Phillip Mutasa, Given Mandizadza and Philemon Anesu Machadu.
“He was arrested with the assistance of the public, who then handed him over to the police. He was wanted in connection with the murder of Ruwa businessman, Joseph Mutangadura, in August,” said Comm Nyathi.
“Detectives at CID Harare received information that he was initially hiding in Kadoma, and later in Sanyati, where he was now renting a house.
“He has just been visited by his girlfriend, before the detectives pounced at his house.
“Unfortunately, there was a shootout where one of the tenants was injured. A police detective was also injured and is currently admitted to hospital,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said on the day of the shoot-out, Mutasa managed to flee from his homestead half-naked.
“He went to the police station, where he then attacked Constable Muchechesi whom he allegedly killed in cold-blood.
“He then robbed a person who was making a report to the police. He took his US$5 and went away,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
He applauded members of the public in Chakari, Patchway, Kadoma and Sanyati for mobilising to track down and apprehend Mutasa.
“He was armed with a pistol, the same weapon which killed the policeman was used to kill businessman Mutangadura.
“As we speak now, we are now conducting investigations so that we can come up with concrete information on what transpired.
“The suspect sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment,” he said.
Comm Nyathi confirmed that four people had now been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Mutangadura, vowing that all those involved will be brought to justice.
“Police will react appropriately when reacting to scenes of armed robberies, where suspects have become confrontational and shooting at police officers.
“The law is the law, no one is above tit, we want Zimbabweans to continue to support the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said more information regarding the arrest will be released in due course.
Mutangadura was killed on the night of August 17 by a gang of seven armed robbers who also attacked a security guard and the businessman’s son before breaking into the farmhouse and shooting him in the stomach.
