Notorious Chitungwiza robber released, re-arrested

Residents of Chitungwiza's St Mary's suburb were left in disbelief after the sudden release of one of the area's most feared criminals, Alois Luciano, popularly known as Bla Matsotsi, who was seen roaming the streets and allegedly threatening residents.

Luciano, who has long been associated with a string of violent crimes, was arrested on October 2 and remanded in custody on October 4 pending investigations into 15 counts of robbery and assault. However, to the shock of many, he was released last Friday, only to abscond court on Monday.

His freedom was short-lived. On Tuesday, he reportedly attacked a pregnant woman, Memory Matanga (25), who was visiting her mother in Manyame Park.

"This guy called me to go to where he was standing, to which I refused and kept on walking," Matanga recounted. "He then followed me, attacked me and stabbed me with a knife in the palm of my right hand before trying to snatch my mobile phone."

Matanga suffered a deep cut and was taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where she received treatment. The case was recorded under RRB 6618886.

Following the assault, police launched a manhunt and eventually cornered Luciano. According to witnesses, officers fired a warning shot during a scuffle before arresting him.

He is currently back in police custody and is expected to appear in court today.

When contacted for comment, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza requested questions to be sent in writing but had not responded by the time of going to print.

Residents have since called for tighter bail conditions and stronger measures against repeat offenders, saying the community no longer feels safe while dangerous criminals are repeatedly released back onto the streets.