ZANU PF central committee member and prominent transport operator, Isau Mupfumi, was arrested over the weekend in connection with violent clashes involving rank marshals that rocked Mutare on Thursday last week.
On Sunday, Police confirmed they had arrested bus operators, touts, criminals and rank marshals in connection with the violence.
The rank marshals and touts were reportedly fighting for passengers, leaving at least two people seriously injured.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Ngwarai Nyathi confirmed the arrest of more than a dozen individuals implicated in the disturbances including Mupfumi. These are:
Isau Mupfumi (62), Jelous Mukorera (36), Michael Chigaro (37), Tatenda Chamusingarevi (22), Cassidy Chabvuta (33), Clayton Muchineripi (24), Kudzanai Neshiri (24), Donemore Dube (44), Taurai Gumende (36), Constantine Makombe (21), Tawanda Matara (42), Liberty Simonyi (28), Rodrick Chiutsi (32), Wayne Mafuta (21), Blessing Chikukwa (30), Donald Matakure (23), Oracio Migayo (18), and Luckmore Shamhu (30).
Asst. Comm. Nyathi said police recovered several vehicles and dangerous weapons such as knives, hoe handles, and iron bars that were used during the skirmishes. He said:
Some of the suspects were hired and paid to engage in public violence using vehicles whilst carrying machetes and other weapons. In one of the incidents, Police had to fire warning shots to effect arrests as the gangs were fighting and striking one another with machetes, stones, iron bars and other weapons. Some members of the public were caught in the crossfire and sustained injuries.
The Police has recovered a white Toyota Hiace vehicle registration number ABF 2518, a white Toyota Belta vehicle registration number AFA 6517, a White Mazda 323 vehicle registration number ABM 8801, a silver Toyota Wish vehicle registration number AEP 6689, a white Honda Fit vehicle registration number AFM 1550, a white Toyota Aqua vehicle registration number AGG 0083, knives, hoe handles, iron bars, stones, two slushiers, a red and black sjambok and a 1,5 metres deformed bar.
Several complainants have made reports of assault to the Police. Initial Police investigations indicate that there is a fight over loading bays and ranks at Harare-Mutare Old Rank in the Mutare Central Business District and Mudzviti Rank pitting Mupfumi buses and Mukumba buses.
Assist. Comm Nyathi strongly warned bus operators and criminal gangs against instaging violence at bus ranks, saying they will face the full wrath of the law. He said:
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that any bus operator and their criminal gangs who try to cause chaos or violence at commuter ranks or bus termini will face the full wrath of the law.
In this regard, bus operators are implored to lead by example and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order in the country.
More: Pindula News