Zimbabwean Police have arrested five people in connection with the killing of a suspected thief in Glen Lorne.
According to a report made to the police, allegations are that on October 28 this year the suspects recieved information that one Emilington Machinga and the now deceased, Blessing Zadzi, were involved in the theft of six scaffolding poles at number 2823 E.D Mnangagwa Road (formerly Enterprize rd), Glenlorne, Harare.
It is alleged that on October 29, the suspects caught Machinga at the premises and questioned him on the theft of scarfolds.
Machinga allegedly implicated the late Zadzi as his accomplice.
The accused persons made a follow up and apprehended the now deceased at Chigayo Inn (Takura Shops). They allegedly assaulted him using a iron bar whilst his legs were pinned under concrete lifting weights.
The suspects continued to assault Zadzi with a hose pipe until he was unconscious. They allegedly then took the now deceased to his father who resides in the same neighbourhood and when the father saw the condition of his son, refused to take him in.
On noticing that Zadzi had fallen unconscious, the suspects carried and dumped him in a bushy area where he was found dead.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare provincial spokesperson Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway.
“Accused 1 is currently deployed at Retired General Mahuhuba Dube’s residence at number 356 Manyonga Drive, Glen Lorne. Accused 2 is deployed at number 2822 ED Mnangagwa Road, Harare which is VP Kembo Mohadi’s residence.
“On 28 October 2023 at around 2200 hours, the now deceased Blessing Zadzi and Emilington Machinga NR 45-442222 G 45 aged 26 of Douglas House, Glen Lorne stole six scaffold poles at number 2823 E.D Mnangagwa Road, Glenlorne and hid them in a nearby bush. On 29 October 2023, the duo came back to steal more scaffold poles intending to sell them in Mbare. Emilington Machinga was caught whilst in the yard by the accused persons and he implicated the now deceased.
“The accused persons made a follow up and managed to apprehend Blessing at Chigayo Inn (Takura Shops) and they brought him back to the place of occurrence. Accused 1, Dennis Nyati started assaulting the now deceased in a house under construction using an iron bar whilst his legs were pinned under concrete lifting weights.
“The accused person continued to assault the now deceased with a hose pipe until he was unconscious. During the assault, the other accused persons were looking on. Upon noticing that the now deceased was unconscious, Dennis Nyati ordered Clever Malunga and Trymore Tafirahuchena to carry Blessing to his parents’ residence.
“After seeing that his son was severely assaulted, the informant refused to accept him and the accused persons took him back. However the accused persons did not come back and this prompted the informant to make a report of Assault at ZRP Highlands. Sergeant Nyamugara attended the scene in an effort to trace the whereabouts of Blessing.
“When they arrived at the place of occurrence, they interviewed Clever MALUNGA who indicated that Blessing was lying at a nearby bush near Johanne Masowe Shrine. Clever then led them to the bush were they found the lifeless body of Blessing covered with a wet red floral duvet.
“The now deceased was lying facing south direction covered with a wet red floral duvet. He was seriously bruised all over the body and under his left foot were some traces of melted plastic drops. A wet blue work suit jacket was lying 5 meters away from the body.
“A green piece of hose pipe was recovered and was taken as an exhibit. Accused 1-5 were arrested and were detained by CID Homicide at ZRP Harare Central. The body of the now deceased was conveyed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for post mortem, said Chakanza.”