A 20-year-old street kid, Takudzwa Mombeshora, widely known as “Most Wanted” around Harare’s Copacabana bus terminus, is facing murder charges following the brutal killing of a 57-year-old man in the city’s central business district (CBD).
Mombeshora appeared before Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya and was remanded in custody as he is facing a third-schedule offense. During his arrest, he reportedly became violent and bit off one of the arresting detective’s fingers.
The court heard that the tragic incident occurred on January 15 when the victim, Forbes Jile of Dzivaresekwa, left the Big Apple Sports Bar to find transport home. While walking along Nelson Mandela Street in the Harare CBD, Jile was accosted by Mombeshora and his gang, who remain at large.
According to the prosecution, the gang grabbed Jile’s bag, pushed him to the ground, and began assaulting him. They struck his head repeatedly while others rifled through his pockets. The attackers fled with Jile’s wallet, which contained US$10, and an Itel 70 cellphone, leaving him severely injured.
Jile’s lifeless body was later discovered by another street kid, who promptly reported the incident to the police. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Jile died from head trauma and a subdural hematoma caused by the assault.
Following the report, detectives from CID Homicide launched an investigation, during which they discovered that Mombeshora had fled the Harare CBD after the crime. Acting on intelligence, the detectives apprehended him at the Copacabana bus rank.
The case, prosecuted by Rufaro Chonzi, has brought attention to the persistent issue of street gang violence in Harare, particularly in areas frequented by commuters. The brutal attack and the circumstances surrounding Jile’s death have sparked outrage, highlighting the vulnerability of residents and the dangers posed by criminal elements in the city.
Mombeshora is currently in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. His arrest marks a significant step in addressing the incident, but the search for his accomplices continues as authorities work to bring all those involved to justice.
The case underscores the pressing need for enhanced security measures in Harare’s CBD and surrounding areas to protect citizens from similar acts of violence. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police as authorities intensify efforts to curb crime and restore public safety.
