Moffat Mungazi
Crime Reporter
RUSAPE has been rocked by a week-long spree of violent clashes between local touts and those from Mutare, which stemmed from the latter’s aggressive attempts to seize control of bus ranks and extort ‘loading fees’ from transport operators.
As a result, violent clashes between rival touts, marked by gruesome scenes of bloodshed and chaos have erupted in the usually serene town.
The running battles have prompted desperate calls by residents for law enforcement agencies to intervene and restore order.
The situation took a dire turn on Sunday evening when Paradzai Zimunya, a tout, was savagely attacked by a gang of six. He suffered severe machete and knobkerrie wounds all over his body, and is now battling for life at Rusape General Hospital.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka on Wednesday said police have launched a manhunt for a suspect, identified only as Bernard, and his five accomplices in connection with the attack on Zimunya.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the six suspects are facing attempted murder charges. “On February 16, 2025, at approximately 7pm, Zimunya was at the Mutare Road Bus Terminus, opposite Zuva Service Station 2, when the suspects arrived in two cars, a Honda CRV and a Toyota Mark X. The accused individuals disembarked from the vehicles, armed with knobkerries and machetes. Upon sensing danger, Zimunya attempted to flee, but the accused caught up with him and indiscriminately attacked him on the head, hands, and legs until he fell down. One of the accused persons was heard saying: ‘Bernard zvakwana, hatidi kudzoka kwaMutare tine ropa (Bernard, it’s enough, we do not want to return to Mutare with blood in our hands)’. The accused persons stopped assaulting Zimunya, leaving him bleeding profusely.”
A motorist, Mr Tatenda Nyakutandwa (30) took Zimunya to ZRP Rusape Central where he made a report. Zimunya sustained a deep cut on the left leg, two deep cuts on the right thigh, two cuts on the right cheek, and a cut on the right wrist.
“Zimunya was referred to Rusape General Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious condition. Although police attended the scene, they were unable to locate the suspects, who had allegedly returned to Mutare shortly after committing the offence. Efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects and charge them with attempted murder. We urge public transport operators to refrain from hiring touts to load their buses. We are appealing for information leading to the arrest of the suspects,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Meanwhile, four alleged touts were arrested last week for allegedly forcing passengers to board a bus against their will.
Patrick Simbi (27), Kelvin Chare (38), Tendai Mugocha (34), and Wilfred Nyakuedzwa (43), all from Rusape, appeared before magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko, facing charges of touting for passengers. The quartet, represented by Mr Munyaradzi Manyengavana, of Manyengavana Law Chambers, was not asked to plead, and was released on US$50 bail each.
Prosecutor, Mrs Melissa Saide said the accused were caught red-handed by the police, touting and forcing passengers to board a bus. “On February 11, 2025, at approximately 10am, police officers were patrolling the Central Business District and Vengere Musika areas. Upon arriving at the former Balfour Hotel, the police officers saw Kelvin Chare pulling a passenger and loading luggage onto a stationary Gold Class bus, Registration Number AFQ6922.”
“Patrick Simbi started yelling, ‘Marondera Harare Vabereki handei’ and forcing passengers to board that same bus. Wilbert Nyakuedzwa was heard shouting ‘Handei Harare’. Tendai Mugocha was quoted saying ‘Mwana wese mubhazi…’
“The police officers swiftly reacted and arrested the accused persons,” said Mrs Saide.
Online Reporter