Esau Mupfumi, a Zanu PF central committee member and prominent transport mogul, was arrested over the weekend in Mutare following violent clashes involving rank marshals that have recently disrupted the city, particularly at the Old Harare rank.
Police confirmed the arrest of bus operators, touts, criminals, and rank marshals involved in the disturbances that resulted in several injuries. The clashes were reportedly over passenger control, leading to intense fighting.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, reported that Nash Mudukuti, also known as Bazooka, sustained severe cuts on his left hand, leg, and forehead. Another individual, Munyaradzi Mudiho, suffered a swollen right leg and facial bruises.
In a detailed statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests of multiple individuals linked to the violence.
“Police confirm the arrest of bus operators, touts, criminal gangs, and rank marshals in connection with public violence scenes which rocked Mutare on 23 May 2024 and 24 May 2024. The suspects arrested include Isau Mupfumi, Jelous Mukorera, Michael Chigaro, Tatenda Chamusingarevi, Cassidy Chabvuta, Clayton Muchineripi, Kudzanai Neshiri, Taurai Gumende, Donemore Dube, Constantine Makombe, Tawanda Matara, Liberty Simonyi, Rodrick Chiutsi, James Bhekete, Daniel Kaibo, Daniel Edmore Shupai, Noah Mabota, Wayne Mafuta, Blessing Chikukwa, Donald Matakure, Oracio Migayo, and Luckmore Shamhu,” Nyathi said.
According to Nyathi, some suspects were allegedly hired and paid to engage in public violence, using vehicles while wielding machetes and other weapons. The confrontations escalated to a point where police had to fire warning shots to disperse the fighting gangs.
“In one of the incidents, police had to fire warning shots to effect arrests as the gangs were fighting and striking one another with machetes, stones, iron bars, and other weapons. Some members of the public were caught in crossfire and sustained injuries. Several complaints have been made, and reports of assault to the police,” Nyathi added.
Initial police investigations suggest the violence stemmed from disputes over loading bays and ranks at the Harare-Mutare Old rank in the Mutare central business district and Mudzviti rank, involving Mupfumi buses and Mukumba buses.
In response to the violent clashes, Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation chairperson Samson Nhanhanga condemned the violence and called for government intervention.
“We don’t support violence. We don’t support touting. Operators must not pile buses on over-subscribed routes. We appeal for government intervention in this regard. Permits must not be issued before an assessment has been done. We have saturated routes and areas with a serious shortage of transport,” Nhanhanga stated.
The arrest of Mupfumi, a significant figure within Zanu PF, underscores the severity of the situation. His involvement in the transportation sector, combined with the recent violent events, highlights the underlying tensions within the public transport system in Zimbabwe.
The situation in Mutare reflects broader issues within the country’s transport sector, including the competition for control over lucrative routes and loading bays. These disputes often lead to violent confrontations, disrupting public order and safety.
As the investigations continue, the police have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities related to the violence. The authorities are committed to restoring order and ensuring that those responsible for the disturbances are brought to justice.
The incident has sparked a debate about the need for better regulation and oversight in the transportation industry to prevent such violent clashes in the future. There is a call for the government to implement stricter controls and provide adequate support to transport operators to ensure a safe and efficient public transportation system for all Zimbabweans.
As the story develops, more details are expected to emerge about the root causes of the violence and the measures being taken to address the issues within the transport sector. The government’s response to the calls for intervention and the outcomes of the ongoing investigations will be closely watched by the public and stakeholders in the transport industry.
The violence in Mutare serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Zimbabwe’s public transport system and the urgent need for reforms to ensure stability and safety for all citizens.
Source: Newsday
