News / National
Vendor dies fleeing police
11 Mar 2014 at 02:57hrs | Views
A VENDOR died while fleeing from police who wanted to seize her wares.
Fungai Rutsava, 23, of Kupfuura Street, Target Kopje, in Masvingo, broke a leg and later died in hospital following Thursday's pursuit.
Rutsava had been confronted by police for vending without a licence.
Chief Inspector Peter Zhanero of Masvingo police said her body had been taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
"We've received the report, but we're yet to get finer details," Chief Insp Zhanero told Chronicle.
Relatives and colleagues said Rutsava died from injuries sustained after she collapsed while fleeing a police officer stationed at Rujeko police base.
"She left for her vending business in Rujeko C at Jazira shopping centre around 8AM. Mid-morning, a male police officer emerged at the place and told Rutsava she was under arrest for vending without a licence," said Sisasenkosi Kumutsa.
"Realising that police wanted to confiscate all her wares, she ran off," Kumutsa added.
The tragic woman's aunt, Masline Hwerazo, said when Rutsava fled, the police officer gave chase.
"He chased after her until she broke her left leg and collapsed. Instead of rendering first aid, the police officer confiscated Rutsava's wares that included airtime recharge cards and vegetables, among other items," she said.
"Other vendors rushed forward and tried to assist."
Hwerazo said a taxi was hired by colleagues who rushed her to Masvingo General Hospital where she was admitted for some hours and discharged.
"She was given crutches as she could hardly walk given her swollen leg. She was complaining of chest pains saying she forgot to tell the doctor who had examined her," she said.
Hwerazo said Rutsava complained of severe chest pains during the night and died the following day.
"We took her back to the hospital the following day as her condition was deteriorating and upon arrival she was put on life support. She died around 5.30PM."
Fungai Rutsava, 23, of Kupfuura Street, Target Kopje, in Masvingo, broke a leg and later died in hospital following Thursday's pursuit.
Rutsava had been confronted by police for vending without a licence.
Chief Inspector Peter Zhanero of Masvingo police said her body had been taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
"We've received the report, but we're yet to get finer details," Chief Insp Zhanero told Chronicle.
Relatives and colleagues said Rutsava died from injuries sustained after she collapsed while fleeing a police officer stationed at Rujeko police base.
"She left for her vending business in Rujeko C at Jazira shopping centre around 8AM. Mid-morning, a male police officer emerged at the place and told Rutsava she was under arrest for vending without a licence," said Sisasenkosi Kumutsa.
"Realising that police wanted to confiscate all her wares, she ran off," Kumutsa added.
The tragic woman's aunt, Masline Hwerazo, said when Rutsava fled, the police officer gave chase.
"He chased after her until she broke her left leg and collapsed. Instead of rendering first aid, the police officer confiscated Rutsava's wares that included airtime recharge cards and vegetables, among other items," she said.
"Other vendors rushed forward and tried to assist."
Hwerazo said a taxi was hired by colleagues who rushed her to Masvingo General Hospital where she was admitted for some hours and discharged.
"She was given crutches as she could hardly walk given her swollen leg. She was complaining of chest pains saying she forgot to tell the doctor who had examined her," she said.
Hwerazo said Rutsava complained of severe chest pains during the night and died the following day.
"We took her back to the hospital the following day as her condition was deteriorating and upon arrival she was put on life support. She died around 5.30PM."
Source - chronicle
