POLICE have launched a manhunt for Inter Africa buses owner – Leonard Mukumba – following violent clashes involving touts that erupted at the city bus rank in Mutare last Thursday and Friday.
The transporter is wanted in connection with the public violence and criminal activities that left several people injured and vehicles damaged.
Another bus operator, Isau Mupfumi, has since been arrested over the same incident
Commissioner Nyathi further warned bus operators to maintain law and order and avoid engaging in violent activities that put the public at risk.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterates that any bus operator and their criminal gangs who try to cause chaos or violence at commuter ranks or bus termini will face the full wrath of the law. In this regard, bus operators are implored to lead by example and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order in the country,” reads the statement.
Mupfumi was arrested together with Jelous Mukorera, Michael Chigaro, Tatenda Chamusingarevi, Cassidy Chabvuta, Clayton Muchineripi, Kudzanai Neshiri, Donemore Dube, Taurai Gumende, Constantine Makombe, Tawanda Matara, Liberty Simonyi, Rodrick Chiutsi, James Bhekete, Daniel Kaibo, Daniel Edmore Shupai, Noah Mabota, Wayne Mafuta, Blessing Chikukwa, Donald Matakure, Oracio Migay and Luckmore Shamhu.
Police said the skirmishes erupted after a dispute between Mupfumi and Mukumba buses over loading bays at the Harare-Mutare Old Rank and Mudzviti Rank in Mutare Central Business District last week
“Police had to fire warning shots to effect arrests as the gangs were fighting and striking each other with machetes, stones, iron bars, and other weapons. Some members of the public were caught in the crossfire and sustained injuries,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said police recovered several vehicles, including a white Toyota Hiace vehicle registration number ABF 2518, a white Toyota Belta vehicle registration number AFA 6517, a White Mazda 323 vehicle registration number ABM 8801, a silver Toyota Wish vehicle registration number AEP 6689, a white Honda Fit vehicle registration number AFM 1550, a white Toyota Aqua vehicle registration number AGG 0083.
Weapons that included machetes, sjamboks, knives, iron bars, and stones have since been recovered by the police, added Commissioner Nyathi.
Several complainants have made reports of assault to the police.
Commissioner Nyathi further warned bus operators to maintain law and order and avoid engaging in violent activities that put the public at risk.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterates that any bus operator and their criminal gangs who try to cause chaos or violence at commuter ranks or bus termini will face the full wrath of the law. In this regard, bus operators are implored to lead by example and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order in the country,” reads the statement.
Credit : Manica Post
