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Crime Reporter

SIX men who were part of a mob that fatally assaulted a suspected thief have been arrested.

Police warned the public against taking the law into their own hands  as they risked being arrested and prosecuted.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said suspects apprehended for any crimes should be handed over to the police.

“The ZRP is warning members of the public against taking the law into their own hands,” he said. “Police in Harare have arrested Zvikomborero Chitambe (39), Arthur Mbukwa (47), Elvis Chakanyuka (24), Nelson Mashuro (38), Mugove Mutumba (34) Christopher Regis (27) for a murder case which occurred on September 8, 2021 in Waterfalls.

“The suspects were part of a mob which assaulted an unidentified victim to death after suspecting him to be a criminal. Investigations are underway.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said they were also investigating two other cases in which suspected criminals were fatally assaulted in separate incidents.

He said police in Beatrice were investigating circumstances surrounding a murder case in which an unlawful entry into premises and theft suspect, Givemore Njanji (49) died last weekend after he was assaulted by a mob.

“The victim was assaulted by a mob after he was caught stealing blankets and clothes at Ellis Baron Primary School on August 27, 2021,” he said.

In Harare, police are investigating a murder case in which an unlawful entry into premises suspect, Ali Mupatsi, died on admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital after he was assaulted by a mob on Sunday in Whitecliff.

Police expressed concern over the rise in such cases, and implored citizens to respect the sanctity of human life.

This came after police indicated that up to eight murders were recorded from August 24.

On August 24, 2021 William Kuwanda (39) assaulted his father, Mberi Kuwanda (81) to death at Majecha Village, Chief Mazungunye in Bikita after accusing him of being responsible for misfortunes in the family.

In another case, Jestina Sakala (16) died after she was assaulted by her brother-in-law, Takudzwa Msimanga (30), on August 25 after she was accused of promiscuity and alcohol abuse.

The incident occurred at Pazvavambwa, Godden Farm in Sanyati.

A 56-year-old man, Philimon Mudzinge, was also fatally assaulted by his brother-in-law, Shame Zorwa (29), after a misunderstanding during a beer drink at a shebeen at Village 15, Bumhe Resettlement in Mamina.

Recently, a 25-year-old man went into hiding after he struck and killed his brother with a machete who he accused of reporting him to the police sometime last year over a stock theft case in Chikombedzi.

Aramu Muzimba’s whereabouts are still unknown.

Investigations revealed that sometime last year, Muzimba was arrested for a stock theft case before he was later released.