HARARE – The firearm used to kill a police officer at Sanyati Police Station in the early hours of Sunday is the same weapon that was used in the cold-blooded murder of Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura in August, police said on Monday.
Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said ballistic tests on the gun, recovered following a citizens’ arrest of suspect Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, 41, proved that it was the same firearm that shot Mutangadura as he slept with his wife on the night of August 17.
“The gun which killed the policeman is the same pistol which killed the businessman Mutangadura,” Nyathi said.
Mutasa was cornered at his house in Sanyati on Saturday night by CID Homicide detectives but fled half naked, Nyathi said.
He shot a police officer named only as Detective Constable Ngwenya as he fled, but the officer survived.
Hours later, at around 2AM on Sunday, Mutasa walked into Sanyati charge office where he found Constable Courage Muchechesi taking a statement from Abraham Mayavo, who had been assaulted.
Mutasa, say police, demanded to know the whereabouts of the Homicide detectives who had been to his house, claiming they stole his US$1,000 in cash.
He ordered Muchechesi and Mavayo to lie down while demanding cash.
Mavayo handed over $5 but Muchechesi tried to flee into an adjacent room but was shot in the stomach.
Nyathi said after Mutasa bolted from the station, locals including people from Sanyati, Kadoma, Chakari and Patchway hunted him down.
“He was arrested by citizens whilst armed with a pistol,” Nyathi confirmed.
Mutasa now faces charges of double murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The police investigation into the murder of Mutangadura at his home and entertainment spot, Mutangadura Hideout, along Dunstan Road in Ruwa, has picked up speed after police made a breakthrough with the arrest of Phillip Mutasa, 38, in Mkoba 6, Gweru, on October 3.
Police believe eight suspects were involved in the incident, which appears to have been a robbery gone wrong. – ZimLive
