Zanu-PF bigwig arrested

ZANU PF central committee member and transport mogul Esau Mupfumi was over the weekend arrested in Mutare following violent clashes involving rank marshals that rocked the city at Old Harare rank in the last few days.

Police confirmed the arrest of Mupfumi and his alleged accomplices involved in the violence, where rival touts reportedly used machetes in attacks in the eastern border city.

Investigations suggest the violence stemmed from disputes over loading bays and ranks at the Harare-Mutare Old Rank in the central business district and Mudzviti Rank, involving Mupfumi's and Mukumba's rank marshals.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and the violence.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of bus operators, touts, criminal gangs, and rank marshals in connection with the public violence in Mutare on May 23 and 24, 2024," he said.

"Mupfumi (62) was arrested along with 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), and Tawanda Matara (42).

"Other suspects include Liberty Simonyi (28), Rodrick Chiutsi (32), James Bhekete (35), Daniel Kaibo (35), Daniel Edmore Shupai (25), Noah Mabota (26), Wayne Mafuta (21), Blessing Chikukwa (30), Donald Matakure (23), Oracio Migayo (18), and Luckmore Shamhu (30)."

Comm Nyathi reported that some suspects were hired and paid to engage in public violence using vehicles while armed with machetes and other weapons.

"Police are appealing for information leading to the arrest of Leonard Mukumba, the owner of Mukumba Buses, trading as Inter-Africa Bus Services, in connection with the violence," Comm Nyathi said.

Mukumba, whose buses operate under the name Inter-Africa Bus Services, is also being sought by authorities regarding the violence.