MARONDERA- The police have launched a manhunt for five unknown accused
persons who allegedly kidnapped a 13-year old boy in Mutoko.
The kidnapping incident occurred on July 1 when the boy is said to have finished his
weekend lessons at a private school in the afternoon around 1.30pm and went home
alone.
On his way home, the boy reportedly saw an unregistered Toyota Raum with tinted
windows at Mutoko growth point going in the opposite direction. The vehicle stopped
and one of the accused persons disembarked and allegedly grabbed the boy and
shoved him into the car which had four other occupants who were wearing
balaclavas.
It is reported that one of the accused persons tied the complainant's mouth with a
cloth, placed him in a sack which was then tied and the vehicle was driven to an
unknown destination.
The complainant was removed from the sack 10 minutes later in a thick forest. His
hands were tied to his back and was placed in a pit.
Two of the kidnappers were left guarding the boy for about four hours while the
others drove off. While checking on the boy in the pit, one of the accused person
accidentally dropped a home-made knife in the pit which the complainant tried to free
himself.
His attempts at freedom failed and he was tied to a tree from where he claims to
have seen one of his kidnappers putting ice in a cooler box when the car returned.
The boy said that he was placed into the boot again and as the vehicle was moving,
he noticed the Mutoko Central Secondary School bilboard along Harare-
Nyamapanda highway, facing Nyamapanda direction and when the car slowed down
to let a herd of cattle that was blocking the road pass, he took his chance.
He pushed the boot door and made good his escape with his satchel. He is said to
have arrived home around 5pm and narrated his ordeal to his father who
accompanied him to the police where his statement was recorded.
ZRP Mutoko are still investigating the case.
Confirming the incident, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector
Simon Chazovachiyi urged parents to take extra care of minors, knowing their
timetables and where they are at any given time.
Inspector Chazovachiyi further appealed for information that may lead to the arrest of
the five suspects.
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