By Staff writer
POLICE in Shurugwi have arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of an artisanal miner in the mining town.
The eight are part of a group of 13 and Police say they are still searching for the other five men.
It is alleged that the 13 men are behind the murder of Francis Mazarire, an artisanal miner suspected of stealing from one of the 13 men.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of eight [8] suspects in connection with the Murder of an artisnal miner who who was alleged to have stolen money from a colleague,” ZRP Midlands spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed.
According to the police the arrested men have been identified as
Tafadzwa Mashove(34),of Athlone, Gweru, Simbarashe Maroora (42) of Village Maroora Chief Ndanga, Shurugwi.
Clain Mafa of Neshuro village in Mwenezi, Noah Musemwa (36) of Village 1, Ruchanyu, Shurugwi, Linos Muzanarwo (42) of Manjuzu village, Chief Munyaradzi, Gutu,Passmore HOBO (42) of Gandiwa village, Chief Nemangwe, Gokwe.
The others are Melusi Mataruae (23)of V Marongwe village, Chief Nhema, Shurugwi, and Talent Manjuzu (29)of Majuzu village, Chief Munyaradzi, Gutu,
Insp Mahoko said, on the 1st of November, Mazarire took advantage of Tafadzwa Mashove’s absence and stole US$2 800-00 from his cabin.
After the loot, Mazarire is said to have gone on a shopping spree with his girlfriend whom he gave US$800.
The two are reported to have relocated to Lalapanzi, however, luck ran out for the couple as they were hunted down by Mashove and 12 other men the next day.
They reportedly took him back to Shurugwi where they viciously attacked him logs and poured hot water all over the body.
“Mazarire is alleged to have admitted to have stolen the money and recklessly spent it with his girlfriend,” Insp Mahoko added
“The suspects took Mazarire back to Shurugwi where they took turns to assault him using logs and as well as pouring hot water on his body.”
In the early hours of November 3, the gang tried to take Mazarire to Shurugwi district hospital, however, he could not make it as he died along the way.
