Isau Mupfumi reportedly hospitalized

Mupfumi, who had recently moved to Harare temporarily, was taken to a medical facility around midnight after complaining of illness while in police detention. The businessman is said to have recently suffered a stroke after he lost US$60 000 to robbers, and his condition is said to have gotten worse because of the arrest. His arrest was part of an ongoing police operation addressing the violent clashes among bus-rank marshals in Mutare.

Background of the Incident

The altercation at the Old Harare rank in Mutare led to severe violence involving machetes and iron bars. Mupfumi, known for his Gold Class bus services on the Mutare-Harare and Mutare-Bulawayo routes, was detained amid this crackdown.

A police officer involved in the arrest confirmed that Mupfumi fell ill and was transported to the hospital. A close associate revealed that Mupfumi has been recovering from a stroke suffered after losing $60,000 in a robbery, and his health might have deteriorated due to his incarceration.

Police Actions and Statements

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi mentioned that while he had not been updated on the latest developments, a statement would be released. Subsequently, Nyathi confirmed Mupfumi’s arrest alongside several others linked to the public disturbances.

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Violent Clashes and Police Intervention

Commissioner Nyathi stated that some suspects were paid to incite violence, using vehicles to transport weapons such as machetes. The police had to discharge warning shots to disperse the fighting gangs, who were wielding an array of weapons, including machetes, stones, and iron bars.

Injuries were reported among bystanders caught in the melee. The police warned that any bus operators or criminal gangs causing disruptions in bus ranks would face severe legal consequences.