'Movie-style' arrest ends Chitungwiza reign of terror

For years, the mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spines of residents in St Mary's, Zengeza, and Manyame Park. But last week, jubilation swept through the neighbourhood after police finally captured one of the area's most feared criminals, Alois Luciano - infamously known as Blah Matsotsi - in what witnesses described as a "movie-style" arrest.

The dramatic takedown was executed by three brave officers from St Mary's Police Station - Sergeants Kennedy Mhundwa, Manners Muzondo, and Constable Farai Kamvura - who risked their lives to subdue the violent delinquent after years of evasion.

According to eyewitnesses, chaos erupted when Blah Matsotsi allegedly attacked his neighbour, Nocry Gahadzikwa, with an Okapi knife during a dispute over borrowed money. Earlier that day, he had reportedly threatened his own mother and brother.

"When police arrived and identified themselves, he ran into his room," recalled one witness. "He came out wielding two Okapi knives and a hockey stick, charging at the officers. It was like watching an action movie. He fought like a possessed man."

The three officers managed to overpower and disarm him after a fierce struggle, drawing cheers from residents who had long lived in fear of the man they believed to be untouchable.

"We thank God that he has been arrested," said a resident, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation. "No one liked him here - not even his relatives. We can finally sleep peacefully."

Police sources described Blah Matsotsi as a violent repeat offender whose criminal activities stretched over several years. "He and his associates have been a menace to the community," said a police source. "He has numerous cases linked to assaults, robberies, and drug-related violence."

Records show that earlier this year, under case number 191/06/24, Blah Matsotsi stabbed a police dog several times with an Okapi knife when officers tried to arrest him at his home. A tear gas canister had to be deployed to force him out before he surrendered. He was convicted in that case.

The same police source added: "We urge community members to continue reporting suspicious activity. We are determined to ensure peace returns to St Mary's."

Following his latest arrest, Blah Matsotsi appeared in court last Saturday and was remanded in custody to allow police to investigate further. Authorities say he faces at least 15 pending cases, including assaulting police officers during his arrest.

Investigations have also revealed that he previously fled to South Africa in 2020 to escape prosecution for suspected robberies and murder. He is reportedly on the wanted list of South African police as well.

Residents have hailed the police for their bravery, urging them to arrest other members of Blah Matsotsi's gang who remain at large.

"We are extremely happy that finally, Blah Matsotsi has been arrested," said one resident. "We now call on the police to hunt down his friends and drug dealers who are destroying our youths."

St Mary's Ward 1 councillor, George Chatanga - who lives near the suspect - expressed relief and commended the officers involved.

"We are truly grateful to Sergeants Mhundwa, Muzondo, and Constable Kamvura for their courage," Chatanga said. "This man has been terrorising us for years. He started stealing at nine and never stopped. Many victims were too afraid to report him because he always threatened them with death."

Chatanga added that Blah Matsotsi's arrest marks the beginning of renewed safety for the community. "Residents can finally breathe again," he said. "We hope justice will be served, and his accomplices will also be caught."

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.