Don’t beat up thieves, bring them to us – ZRP

Don’t beat up thieves, bring them to us – ZRP

Mako Jerera

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public against beating up suspected thieves, saying the proper procedure under such circumstances would be to take the accused persons to the nearest police station.
This comes as a spike in mob justice related deaths have been on a rise.
In a statement, Police National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they are worried with the way people are seeking to solve disputes alone without engaging law enforcement, which is sometimes resulting in deaths.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to desist from meting out mob-justice whenever they apprehend suspected criminals.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with murder cases which are continuously occurring in various parts of the country. In one of the cases, on 10th July 2022, Police in Ruwa arrested Samuel Masiyandima (24) and Ishmael Maguje (30) who were part of a mob which assaulted Tinashe Mangwende (41) to death at a plot along Shifilder Drive near Goromonzi turn off. The suspects accused Tinashe Mangwende of breaking into their house at night before stealing a 42-inch television set,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
In another case, an unlawful entry into premises and theft suspect, Tapiwa Moyo (40) succumbed to the injuries he sustained during an attack by a mob in Norton on 10 July 2022. The mob accused Tapiwa Moyo of breaking into Enara Chikata’s (40) house in Calfa , Katanga where he stole two cellphones. The Police has so far arrested Enara Chikata, Prince Layi (29) and Last Chivero (29) in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, William Hwede (34) was found dead on 11 July 2022 near a wholesale shop in Karoi town after he was allegedly assaulted by unknown suspects on allegations that he stole unidentified property at Karoi Hospital.
Police recovered a wooden stick and a catapult suspected to have been used in the assault of the victim at the scene.
In another case of murder, Yakani Mpofu (20) died while admitted at a local hospital after he was found with a cut on the stomach with intestines protruding on 10th July 2022 near a bar in Luveve, Bulawayo. The suspects behind the case are yet to be identified.
The public was also urged to ensure that their residences are properly secured at night so that criminals do not have easy access.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said when dealing with criminals, members of the public must be alert and cautious as most will be armed and dangerous, especially at night.