The firearm used to kill a police officer at Sanyati Police Station on Sunday has been confirmed as the same weapon used in the murder of Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura in August, police said on Monday.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said ballistic tests conducted on the recovered gun linked the two murders. The firearm was recovered after the arrest of 41-year-old suspect, Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, who was apprehended by citizens following a manhunt.
“The gun which killed the policeman is the same pistol which killed the businessman Mutangadura,” said Nyathi.
According to police, Mutasa was cornered by CID Homicide detectives at his home in Sanyati on Saturday night but managed to escape half-naked. During the confrontation, he allegedly shot and injured Detective Constable Ngwenya before fleeing.
A few hours later, around 2AM on Sunday, Mutasa allegedly entered Sanyati Police Station where Constable Courage Muchechesi was taking a statement from a man identified as Abraham Mayavo, who had earlier been assaulted.
Police said Mutasa demanded to know the whereabouts of the Homicide detectives who had earlier visited his home, accusing them of stealing his US$1,000. He reportedly ordered Muchechesi and Mayavo to lie down and demanded cash from them.
Mayavo handed over US$5, but when Constable Muchechesi attempted to escape into another room, Mutasa allegedly shot him in the stomach. Muchechesi later died from his injuries.
After the shooting, Mutasa fled the police station but was later hunted down by residents from Sanyati, Kadoma, Chakari, and Patchway. “He was arrested by citizens whilst armed with a pistol,” said Nyathi.
Police confirmed that Mutasa now faces multiple charges, including double murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The investigation into the earlier murder of businessman Mutangadura, who was killed as he slept with his wife on the night of August 17 at their home and entertainment venue, Mutangadura Hideout, along Dunstan Road in Ruwa, has intensified.
A key breakthrough came earlier this month when police arrested 38-year-old Phillip Mutasa in Mkoba 6, Gweru, in connection with the Ruwa murder. Authorities believe that up to eight suspects were involved in the incident, which they suspect began as a robbery that turned deadly.
