Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – Two men from Chikanga are in police custody following the alleged murder of Ryan Zindi, a known habitual thief suspected of stealing their brother’s mobile phone and car keys.
The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding mob assaults and the repercussions of taking the law into one’s own hands.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the details of the case. He reported that Zindi, who had a history of breaking and entering and had only recently been released from prison, was confronted by the men after a theft was reported.
“On March 12, Tedius Tarwakuona (26) reported a break-in at Chikanga Police Station, where he lost his cellphone and car keys. Following the incident, Tarwakuona’s brother, Lincoln Kavhu (22), and two associates, Delan Mudiwa (26) and Athel Mukondyo (23), learned of Zindi’s involvement and decided to confront him on March 13.
“Instead of contacting law enforcement to handle the situation, the group took Zindi to Kavhu’s house, where they brutally assaulted him with a hoe handle in an attempt to recover the stolen property,” Assistant Inspector Chinyoka stated.
Mudiwa and Mukondyo walked with him all over Chikanga, beating him while trying to recover the cellphone, but nothing was recovered.
The assault continued over the course of the night, demonstrating a blatant disregard for Zindi’s well-being. The following morning, the group took Zindi to Chikanga Police Station to report the incident; however, it was evident that he had sustained severe injuries.
He was promptly transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Chinyoka strongly condemned the act of mob assault, urging the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
“We strongly reject the act of mob justice that has led to the tragic death of Zindi. The law demands that suspects be handed over to the authorities, not taken into the hands of individuals. We urge the public to cooperate with the police and allow the law to take its course,” he said.
Mudiwa and Mukondyo have since been arrested and charged with murder, while investigations into the incident are ongoing. Police have also recovered the hoe handle used in the assault as evidence in the case.
New Ziana
