Kwekwe police investigate 'murder' of a rat

AN unusually big domesticated rat, almost the size of a full grown cat, caused a stir in Kwekwe when it popped out of its master's car. It was subsequently killed by a man who was part of a crowd that had gathered to witness the unique pet.

Witnesses said the rat, which was black in colour, had strayed from its master's car, which was parked within the city's central business district. The rat was apparently trying to follow his master.

"The man who unleashed the fatal kick was immediately taken to Kwekwe Central Police Station by the owner where a report of the 'murder' was made. Police are busy investigating the case as we speak," said a witness, Mr Conrad Dube, of Mbizo Section Five.

Police confirmed the incident, which happened on Wednesday near the popular city beer outlet, KwaAmaiguru Bar, along Third Street.

The two men, the suspect and the complainant, could be in trouble with the police as they could be charged under the Parks and Wildlife Act, according to the police.

Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said investigations on the circumstances surrounding the death of the rat were still under way.

"We confirm that police in Kwekwe are handling a case in which a man, Mr Clifford Patrick (34), of Mbizo in Kwekwe reported another man for kicking his domesticated rat to death. The incident happened opposite KwaAmaiguru Bar, Third Street in Kwekwe. We are working closely with the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials who have since taken the rat for examination. Investigations into the matter are continuing," said Asst Insp Mahoko.

The acting police spokesperson for Midlands said on the day in question, Mr Patrick had gone to the city centre to service his car.

Asst Insp Mahoko said Mr Patrick parked his car opposite KwaAmaiguru Bar and went into a nearby shop.

"It is said the rat came out of the car intending to follow its master. Before it could go much further, it was spotted by members of the public and the information quickly spread until a big crowd gathered around it to witness the unique pet. From among the crowd, emerged one Misheck Never Jatropha (42) also of Mbizo who kicked the rat and it died instantly," he said.

Asst Insp Mahoko said when Mr Patrick emerged from the shop he was shocked to discover his adored pet lying lifeless on the ground.

It is alleged he tried to resuscitate it to no avail.

Asst Insp Mahoko said when Mr Patrick confirmed that his pet was indeed dead, he dragged Jatropha to Kwekwe Central Police Station where a report of the rat's death was made.

"Both the complainant and the suspect could end up in trouble depending on our findings. Police, together with the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, are still looking into the issue. We are still to decide whether or not to press charges on the parties involved because we are still waiting for the findings of Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who are examining the rat," he said.

The police spokesperson said authorities needed to establish whether the rat was indeed a wild animal and if Mr Patrick had a licence from the department to keep it.

An official from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said the two men could be charged, one for unlawfully keeping a wild animal and the other for killing an animal without their permission.

Asst Insp Mahoko said it is alleged that Mr Patrick had acquired the rat in question in 2010 from a woman who was selling her car in Gweru.

He said Mr Patrick had gone to Gweru intending to buy the car when he saw a number of domesticated rats and developed some interest in them.

"He negotiated and managed to buy one at $20 in 2010. It is alleged that the woman claimed to have imported the unusually big rats from South Africa. Mr Patrick said he had over the years managed to look after his rat until it grew to the size of a cat. He had never taken the rat to a public place until the fateful day," said Asst Insp Mahoko.