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Chronicle Reporter

A 36-year-old Bulawayo man last Tuesday had to seek refuge at Emakhadeni police post after an angry crowd mistook him for a wanted fugitive and attempted to effect citizen arrest.

Mr Thokozani Moyo sustained injuries all over his body when the angry mob mistook him for Xolani Ncube, founder of Dubies Gays and Lesbians Rights Fighters.

Ncube is on the run since March 2017 after he failed to make a routine remand appearance at the Bulawayo Magistrate’s court.

Ncube was being accused of leading the gay rights group and further holding illegal demonstrations advocating for LGBT rights.

Wanted: Xolani Ncube

In the latest developments, Mr Moyo was unfortunately mistook for the wanted Ncube with a crowd from the suburb comprising mainly of touts instigating instant justice.

Bulawayo police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.

“We appeal to members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands to avoid such unfortunate events.

“Yes they can assist the police with information but right now they have beat up and injured an innocent man which is quite unfortunate,” she said.

Chronicle also managed to speak to members of the community who all expressed shock in the conduct of the touts.

“We as a community would like to apologise to Mr Moyo and his family, we will surely assist the police to try bring the pepertrators to book,” said one Mrs Hazel Khumalo.

Meanwhile, police are reportedly investigating one Nkosana Ndlovu who is suspected to have aided Ncube’s escape.

“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that might lead to Ncube’s arrest to approach any police station near them,” said Chief Insp Simango.