Rumbidzai Ngwenya
STAFF WRITER
POLICE yesterday arrested Pius Jamba in connection with the recent brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali.
At the same time, law enforcement agents have dismissed allegations that the murder was linked to politics. Ali’s body was found mutilated last weekend in Nyatsime, on the outskirts of Chitungwiza.
Police had been looking for Jamba since Ali’s initial disappearance last month, before she was later found murdered. He was finally arrested yesterday morning in Karoi’s Magunje District, in Mashonaland West.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said investigations had linked Jamba to Ali’s murder, following a domestic dispute.
“The police confirm that Pius Jamba was arrested in Chidamoyo area, Magunje, on June 16, in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing All in Nyatsime area, Chitungwiza, on May 24.
“Initial investigations have established that Jamba killed Ali after dragging her from Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, hid the body in a bush and went to his parents’ homestead.
“He took a kitchen knife and a sack and went back to the bush. The suspect then cut the body of Ali into pieces and made several trips to the well where he eventually dumped the body,” Nyathi said.
“Investigations are under way to find out if Jamba acted alone or in connivance with other suspects. Investigations have so far not found any political link to this sad and heinous crime. Pius Jamba will be appearing in court soon,” Nyathi added.
This comes as Ali’s murder has caused running battles between Zanu PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), leading to an orgy of violence in Chitungwiza this week. Alleged Zanu PF members have unleashed violence at the funeral of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Ali.
According to CCC Spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, about 20 party members including a couple Everjoy and Antony Nyadiwa were allegedly kidnapped by suspected Zanu PF members who are reported to have assaulted the late activist’s family members.
“About 20 CCC women who had come to mourn Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime have been kidnapped by Zanu PF thugs who are also beating up family members. Zanu PF has ordered the family to leave the funeral,” said Mahere.
CCC deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala has also confirmed the violent scenes at Ali’s funeral saying the kidnapped women had not been located. He also said Everjoy and Antony who had been badly beaten could not be attended at Parirenyatwa, after the hospital authorities requested a police report first before doctors could attend to them.
“The couple was only attended after they got the police report, but it was traumatic for both of them as they were badly beaten,” he said.
Since Saturday when Ali was confirmed dead, the ruling party and CCC have been fighting for her body, with Sikhala posting on Twitter that they were approaching the courts to stop Zanu PF legislator and councillor for the area from “hijacking” the funeral.
“ZANU PF attacked everyone at Moreblessing Ali’s funeral last night and highjacked the funeral. We are going to Court on an urgent basis now to interdict their MP, Cllr and Simba Chisango who are leading the funeral highjackers,” said Sikhala.
Zanu PF information director, Tafadzwa Mugwadi has accused CCC of making false claims and turning Ali’s death into a political campaign.
“This is a disgrace,” said Mugwadi.
The police said investigations are still underway to ascertain the cause of Ali’s death while appealing to the public to be patient.
“The public is urged to be patient and allow the criminal investigations to proceed smoothly.
“The police reiterates that this is a callous and heinous crime … all efforts will be made to ensure that suspects are brought to book without fail. However, any form of intimidation or threats under the guise of politics or social media antics are being monitored by the police,” said police in a statement.
