Walter Nyamukondiwa in Chinhoyi
A CHEGUTU based police officer gunned down his colleague at close range while he was sleeping for allegedly sympathising with a woman who was accusing him of indecently assaulting her. The now deceased cop had advised the woman to report the matter.
Constable Mindano Mindano (24) who is based at ZRP Pfupajena in Chegutu is on the run armed with the FN rifle used to shoot his partner Constable Chikava (24).
The gun had several rounds of ammunition.
Police have warned that Const Mindano is dangerous and people should be on the look-out for him.
On the fateful day Const Mindano was summoned by community leaders around Ezintabeni Cotton Buying Centre at Danangwe Primary School in Chegutu for fondling the breasts and buttocks of a woman he met around Lowood Farm before attempting to rape her. Const Mindano reportedly threatened to handcuff her and shoot her if she resisted. However, she managed to escape and made a report to community leaders. The matter was discussed in the presence of the leaders, Const Mindano and his now deceased. They resolved that she should report the matter to the police. This did not go down well with Const Mindano who felt that his colleague had sided with the woman in a bid to “fix” him.  He reportedly went on a binge with Blessed Mandere, a man from the community and returned at around 0055hrs to Const Chikava who was already asleep at Danangwe Primary School where they were stationed. It is believed that Const Mindano disarmed Chikava before awakening him and shot him once on the right upper lip before it ripped open the back of the skull and he died on the spot.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara, confirmed the incident adding that police have launched a manhunt for Const Mindano.
Const Mindano fled the scene with his service FN rifle Serial Number ZRP 10030 with 20 rounds and three magazines with 20 rounds each from Const Chikava’s G3 rifle.
“The rounds of ammunition could not be located at the scene and we believe that this man is armed and dangerous so our people should be cautious,” he said.
“When the police arrived Const Chikava was in a pool of blood while facing upwards.
“He had a gunshot wound below the nose and his skull was ripped open while his brains were on the floor. The G3 rifle was next to his body which was found the following morning by a security guard at the cotton buying centre,” he said.