Former MP Esau Mupfumi has been arrested along with 21 others in connection with Mutare Public violence, while Leonard Mukumba is wanted by the police in connection with the same case.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrests of multiple individuals, including bus operators, touts, criminal gangs, and rank marshalls, in connection with the violent disturbances that erupted in Mutare on May 23 and May 24, 2024.
List of Arrested Suspects
The individuals taken into custody include former MP Isau Mupfumi, Jealous Mukorera, Michael Chigaro, Tatenda Chamusingarevi, Cassidy Chabvuta, Clayton Muchineripi, Kudzanai Neshiri, Donemore Dube, Taurai Gumende, Constantine Makombe, Tawanda Matara, Liberty Simonyi, Rodrick Chiutsi, James Bhekete, Daniel Kaibo, Daniel Edmore Shupai, Noah Mabota, Wayne Mafuta, Blessing Chikukwa, Donald Matakure, Oracio Migayo, and Luckmore Shamhu.
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Details of the Violent Incidents
Some suspects were reportedly hired and compensated to participate in public violence. They utilized vehicles while armed with machetes and other weapons. In one notable incident, police were compelled to discharge warning shots to effect arrests as the gangs clashed, wielding machetes, stones, iron bars, and various other weapons. Unfortunately, some innocent bystanders were caught in the conflict and sustained injuries.
Recovered Items
The police have seized several items during the course of their investigation, including:
- A white Toyota Hiace (registration number ABF 2518)
- A white Toyota Belta (registration number AFA 6517)
- A white Mazda 323 (registration number ABM 8801)
- A silver Toyota Wish (registration number AEP 6689)
- A white Honda Fit (registration number AFM 1550)
- A white Toyota Aqua (registration number AGG 0083)
- Knives, hoe handles, iron bars, stones
- Two slashers, a red and black sjambok, and a 1.5-meter deformed bar
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Reports of Assault
Several individuals have reported assaults to the police. Preliminary investigations suggest that the violence stems from a dispute over loading bays and ranks at the Harare-Mutare Old Rank in Mutare’s Central Business District and the Mudzviti Rank, involving Mupfumi Buses and Mukumba Buses.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are currently seeking information that could lead to the arrest of Leonard Mukumba, the owner of Mukumba Buses, which operates under the name Inter-Africa Bus Services, in connection with these violent events.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that any bus operators or their affiliated gangs attempting to incite chaos or violence at commuter ranks or bus termini will be met with stringent legal consequences. Bus operators are urged to set a positive example and actively contribute to maintaining law and order within the country.
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