Cops hunt BF catapult thug

Top2Temba Dube Deputy News Editor
A CATAPULT football thug who tormented rival fans during Highlanders’ cup clash with Caps United on March 1 this year is wanted for murder, Bulawayo police said yesterday.The thug, whose identity is unknown to the police, indiscriminately aimed and fired nuts and bolts at United fans and players.

The Chronicle published the hooligan’s picture days after the violence-hit match. CID detectives investigating the murder of a man in Makokoba suburb were immediately attracted to the man in the picture whom they believe could help them solve their murder case.

Detective Chief Inspector Musiyalela Mwezi, the Officer in Charge of the Bulawayo Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Squad, yesterday appealed for public help to locate and apprehend the catapult thug.

“CID Homicide Squad Bulawayo is keen to interview the suspect in the picture in connection with a case of murder,” said Det Chief Insp Mwezi.

He said anyone with information on the suspect’s identity and whereabouts should contact the investigating officer, Det Insp Kudakwashe Chibira on 0712309992 or 0773629244.

Alternatively, they can call Det Chief Insp Mwezi on (09) 71568.

Police were unable to provide further details on the murder, fearing this would jeopardise their investigation.

But Det Chief Insp Mwezi said other law enforcement agents were also keen to question the thug on public order offences relating to the match violence.

Violence broke out at Barbourfields after United hitman, Roderick Mutuma, celebrated a goal in a way that a section of the Highlanders fans felt was provocative.

Mutuma, who previously played for Highlanders’ fierce rivals, Dynamos, scored the first goal, with Leonard Tsipa adding a second to dump the Bulawayo club out of the Bob91 Super Cup. The match ended 2-1.

The mystery man was captured on camera by other fans, launching attacks on rival supporters with his catapult. He used nuts and bolts to inflict maximum injury.

The stadium and surrounding suburbs of Babourfields, Mzilikazi and Makokoba turned into a battle field as fans assaulted each other with bottles, sticks and fists.

A Caps United supporter, Tawedzerwa Moyo, was left for dead in the ensuing slugfest.

He was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital where he made a full recovery.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo had to dispel reports that were doing rounds on social media, alleging a fan had been killed in the clashes.

Police said criminal elements took advantage of the violence to rob and assault fans.

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