Copyright myzimbabwe
A shocking series of events has unfolded in Zimbabwe, linking a brazen armed robber to two murders, including that of a police officer inside a charge office. The suspect, Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41), is now in custody, accused of using the same firearm in both killings. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that ballistic tests have conclusively linked the pistol recovered from Mutasa to the murder of Ruwa businessman Joseph ‘Mutangaz’ Mutangadura in August. “The gun which killed the policeman is the same pistol which killed the businessman Mutangadura,” Nyathi stated. Mutasa’s reign of terror culminated in a deadly confrontation at Sanyati Police Station in Mashonaland West province. Constable Courage Muchechesi was fatally shot while on duty, attending to other members of the public. Sources say that earlier that night, at approximately 10:30pm on Saturday, detectives from the Homicide unit had cornered Mutasa at his lodgings in Sunrise, Sanyati. However, Mutasa managed to escape, reportedly naked, after shooting Detective Constable Ngwenya of the CID Homicide Division in the leg. “The incident was like a movie, where the officers were caught unaware and the robbers escaped,” one source said. “Two officers were injured in the shootout.” Undeterred, Mutasa made his way to the police station in the early hours of Sunday morning. There, he encountered Constable Muchechesi, who was taking a statement from Abraham Mayavo (30), who had been assaulted. Mayavo handed over $5, but when Muchechesi attempted to flee into an adjacent room, Mutasa shot him in the stomach. Constable Muchechesi later died from his injuries. “He bolted from the scene (of the initial shooting) and landed himself in the charge office,” a source explained. “From there, he discharged his weapon towards the unsuspecting officer, gunning him down. The robber claimed he was doing this in revenge following attempts by the detectives to arrest him.” Following the shooting, Mutasa fled the police station, but his escape was short-lived. Members of the public from Sanyati, Kadoma, Chakari, and Patchway joined forces with the police to track him down. “He was arrested by citizens whilst armed with a pistol,” Commissioner Nyathi confirmed. He also commended the public for their swift action and cooperation, promising that more details would be released in due course. Before killing Constable Muchechesi, Mutasa reportedly shot Detective Constable Ngwenya of the CID Homicide Division, who was part of the arrest team. After the attack, the suspect allegedly robbed a civilian, Abraham Mayavo (30), of US$5 as the man was making a report at the police station. Mutasa now faces a string of serious charges, including double murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The arrest of Vengesai Mutasa has also breathed new life into the investigation of Joseph Mutangadura’s murder. Mutangadura, a 67-year-old businessman, was fatally shot at his home and business premises, Mutangadura Hideout, along Dunstan Road in Ruwa on August 17. He owned Mutangaz Hideout, Mutangaz Panyama, and Lisheen Estate in Ruwa. Reports indicate that a gang of masked robbers, armed with pistols, claw bars, and hammers, overpowered a security guard before entering the house and assaulting Mutangadura and his wife. Mutangadura’s wife sustained injuries but survived the ordeal, while the businessman was pronounced dead upon arrival at Eden Hospital in Windsor, Ruwa. The robbers escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables. The police investigation into the Ruwa murder had already picked up pace with the arrest of Phillip Mutasa (38) in Mkoba 6, Gweru, on October 3. Phillip Mutasa has allegedly confessed to participating in the August 17 killing of Joseph Mutangadura and named seven accomplices who are still on the run. Police believe eight suspects were involved in the incident, which appears to have been a robbery gone wrong. Vengesai Mutasa’s arrest makes him the third suspect in the ongoing investigations into Mutangadura’s murder. The ZRP has launched a nationwide manhunt for the remaining suspects believed to be part of the armed gang responsible for Mutangadura’s murder. Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue assisting law enforcement agencies with information leading to the arrest of the outstanding suspects. The case has raised serious questions about security at police stations and the effectiveness of law enforcement in Zimbabwe.
