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The Herald
Ivan Zhakata and Victor Maphosa
One member of the Zanu PF Youth League was killed instantly, while nine others were injured and two fought for their lives at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital after guards manning offices in a housing scheme in the Ushewokunze suburb , Harare South, will be shot Thursday for alleged trespassing.
The youths were reported to have come from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where they had gone to say goodbye to the President of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, at the end of their two-day state visit.
When the youths arrived at a housing project, which is being developed by CFI Holdings, they were informed that one of their colleagues, identified as Tonderai Marongwe, had been arrested by the guards managing the property in Ushewokunze.
It is said that when they went to the CFI offices to inquire about the arrest of their fellow Youth League members, they were chased away by armed guards who fired shots.
As a result, ten youths were shot and one of them was killed on the spot, while nine others suffered varying degrees of injuries.
National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the shooting and said two security guards had since been arrested.
Communication assistant NyathiInvestigations are ongoing on the matter.
“We confirmed that one person was shot and killed while other people were injured.
“The police have chosen two guards in connection with the incident. It seems that there was a dispute between some young people and some members of the cooperative that resulted in the shooting incident.
“Two guards are currently in police custody and investigations are ongoing. Reports indicate that CFI hires these guards. Nine suspects were arrested for breaking and entering, but what is clear is that there are land disputes in that area, ”he said.
When The Herald arrived at the scene yesterday, the youth of Zanu PF were gathered outside the CFI offices singing revolutionary songs. They said the shootings were unfair because they did nothing wrong.
Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Secretary for Economic Affairs for Zone 6, Cde Victor Mhazi Zindonda, recounted the circumstances.
Cde Zindonda alleged that the deceased was arrested for trespassing on CFI property after returning from the airport.
After being informed of the arrest of the deceased, the youths went to the offices of the CFI for inquiries where there was an altercation with the guards.
“The young people came to see me and told me that Tonderai Marongwe had been arrested by the guards in Cresta. Then we went with other comrades to ask what had happened.
“We were not armed and I told my colleagues not to be violent. When we arrived we asked them why they had arrested Tonderai and they refused to speak to us. They told us to wait while they made a phone call and to our surprise they opened fire, ”he said.
Cde Zindonda said they were shocked by the actions of the guards as they had gone to the offices in peace.
Zanu PF’s acting national spokesperson, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said he was not aware of the shootings.
“I don’t have the facts yet. Whoever shot them has committed a crime and must face the full wrath of the law, ”he said.
When contacted for comment, CFI company secretary Mr. Panganayi Hare asked for questions in writing, but did not respond and could not be reached at the time of publication.
