Following his detention due to violent battles over bus loading bays in Mutare, senior Zanu PF official and businessman Esau Mupfumi was recently granted bail, a situation that has attracted major public attention. The incident, which happened last Saturday, left several people injured and triggered a larger conversation about public safety and violence in commercial conflicts.
Known for his significant involvement in the transportation industry, Mupfumi is currently being charged with promoting public violence. The State and Mupfumi’s defense attorney agreed with Mutare provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe’s decision to grant bail. Representing the State, Mutare district public prosecutor Tirivanhu Mutyasira did not oppose the bail application made by Victor Chinzamba of Mugadza and Partners Legal Practitioners, citing Mupfumi’s reputation as a businessman and his low risk of fleeing.
The court scheduled Mupfumi’s return to court in June and set bail at US$1,000 with certain requirements. This decision was made against the context of increased hostilities and violence that broke out at Mutare’s two main bus ranks, the Old Harare Rank and Mudzviti Rank, last Thursday.
The State’s assertions indicate that rival Mukumba Brothers bus business officers attacked Farai Chitsa, a senior rank officer under Mupfumi at Sakubva Musika rank, starting the violence. It has been stated that the attackers utilized knives, sjamboks, golf clubs, and machetes. Mupfumi allegedly gave the order for Chitsa and other officers to confront the Mukumba gang in response, which resulted in a bloody battle at the Old Harare Rank using similar weapons. More than forty touts connected to the Mukumba bus firm were taken into custody as a result of this fight; they were later refused bail and are scheduled to appear in court on June 10.
To make matters more complicated, the police have indicated that they would like to speak with Leonard Mukumba of Inter Africa, another significant figure in the transportation industry, about his possible role in the disruptions. Sources close to the situation, however, claim that Mukumba has been abroad on business, which has delayed possible legal action. The incidents in Mutare have raised serious concerns about the use of violence in resolving commercial disputes and the role that influential business figures play in such conflicts.
