MARONDERA- Police in Mutoko are investigating a case in which a suspected cattle
rustler allegedly committed suicide inside a room where he had been locked in by
villagers while waiting for their arrival.
Reports are that on October 9, Kelvin Nyakajasa stole 11 cattle belonging to Chereri
Chimuriwo and Dereck Katsande of Nyamuzizi Village under Chief Mutoko. On the
following day and in the morning, he decided to sell two of the cattle to one Emmanuel
Maocha for US$400 each.
It is reported that Maocha told another villager who expressed a keen interest in buying
the cattle. However, the villager reportedly teamed up with other villagers and started
questioning Nyakajasa over the origins of the cattle.
It is said Nyakajasa then told them that the cattle belonged to him but upon further
questioning Nyakajasa reviealed that the two cattle belonged to Chimuriwo and that the
later had assigned him to sell the cattle on his behalf.
This reportedly did not go do down well with the villagers who demanded to be
furnished with proof that Nyakajasa had been indeed assigned to sell the cattle in
question.
However, Nyakajasa is reported to have failed to produce proof and immediately
confessed that he had stolen the cattle.
Upon hearing that, the irate villagers immediately arrested him and tied his hands and
legs with a rope before locking him in a room at Dhumaira Business Centre. A team
among the villagers then went to make a police report and also to look for the owner of
the cattle.
On their return, they found Nyakajasa’s body hanging inside in the room and it is
believed that he untied himself and used the same rope to commit suicide.
Police spokesperson for Mashonaland East Province, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi
confirmed the incident.
"After he was left locked in a room, it is believed Nyakajasa untied himself and used the
rope to hang himself on a roof beam. When the villagers and the police returned, they
found him dead. Also, the stolen cattle were positively identified by their rightful owners.
"We call upon members of the public to ensure that their livestock are always safe.
Investigations regarding this matter are in progress," he said.