Mishandled citizen’s arrest ends in fatality
Providence Moyo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing to members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands after a citizen’s arrest by Mahatshula North residents in Bulawayo turned fatal.
The residents effected a violent citizen’s arrest on 23-year-old Lucky Ncube of Nyamandlovu Fountain Village 1 after he was found in possession of a stolen Central Processing Unit (CPU).
“At around 0200 hours, Ncube was walking through Mahatshula North and he came across a neighbourhood watch member that blew a whistle to alert other members of the community who gathered and started assaulting Ncube with knobkerries. In the process, Ncube admitted to stealing the CPU in Cowdray Park. On the same date, a police report was made,” said Assistant police spokesperson for Bulawayo Province Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
According Asst. Insp. Msebele, the victim was referred to Mpilo Hospital for treatment and was pronounced dead at the hospital. She highlighted that the Mahatshula North residents involved are assisting police with investigations.
