Philemon Jambaya
Zanu PF politician and prominent bus operator Isau Mupfumi, 62, has been arrested alongside 21 others in connection with violent clashes that erupted at Mutare bus ranks over the past two days.
The arrests, confirmed by police in a statement on Sunday, included bus crews, touts, rank marshals, and suspected gang members. According to the statement, the clashes stemmed from a longstanding dispute between Mupfumi's and Mukumba bus companies over control of loading bays and ranks at strategic locations in Mutare.
Police identified Mupfumi, a former Zanu PF legislator, as one of the key figures involved in the violence. The statement also listed the names of the other 21 suspects apprehended, including Jealous Mukorera, Michael Chigaro, Tatenda Chamusingarevi, and Cassidy Chabvuta.
Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that officers were forced to use warning shots to disperse rival gangs wielding machetes and other weapons. The situation had escalated to a point where innocent bystanders were at risk.
"We have evidence suggesting that some individuals were hired and paid to participate in the violence," Nyathi stated. "These individuals used vehicles and carried dangerous weapons like machetes during the clashes."
He further described an incident where police were forced to fire warning shots to make arrests as gangs clashed with machetes, stones, iron bars, and other weapons. Some members of the public were unfortunately caught in the crossfire and sustained injuries.
Police have recovered several vehicles believed to be used in the violence, including a white Toyota Hiace and a white Toyota Belta. Additionally, they confiscated weapons such as knives, hoe handles, iron bars, and stones.
A manhunt is currently underway for Leonard Mukumba, the owner of Mukumba Buses, who is also suspected of involvement in the violence.
Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to bus operators, urging them to refrain from resorting to violence to settle disputes.
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