By Ivan Zhakata
Two police officers and a civilian were shot dead on Tuesday by a suspected poacher in Chipinge while trying to arrest the illegal hunter.
Sergeant Robert Shumba, 39, and Sergeant Vengai Mazhara, 35, from Chipinge urban Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI) section, were deployed for an operation code-named “Zvigwayagwaya” after receiving a tip off that a suspected poacher was in possession of a gun.
Acting on a tip off, the two officers proceeded to Chaita Simango’s homestead at Plot number 34, Naffaerton in Chipinge to arrest the suspect.
Upon reaching Simango’s homestead, the officers arrested him and ordered him to direct them to where the suspect was hiding.
Simango reportedly told them that the person they were looking for was inside the house, before leading the way into the house.
Upon entry into the house, the suspected poacher allegedly jumped from the sofa and took his AK47 rifle, sprang into action and opened fire killing the two officers and Simango on the spot.
The poacher then fled the scene.
National police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, in a statement confirmed the shooting.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the death of two police officers and one civilian namely, Sergeant Robert Shumba, 39, Sergeant Vengai Mazhara, 35, and Chaita Simango, 22, in a shooting incident which occurred at Plot Number 34, Naffaeton, Chipinge on November 24, at around 11.10 hours,” she said.
“Circumstances are that the police officers reacted to a tip off that a suspected poacher was in possession of a firearm at Chaita Simango’s homestead.
“On seeing the police details, the unknown accused sprang into action and opened fire killing the two police officers and Chaita Simango instantly. He then fled from the scene,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba said.
She appealed to the public for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect and those with information should contact any nearest police station. The Chronicle
