Bulawayo – A seemingly straightforward manhunt for a suspected fraudster has opened a can of worms and potentially exposing a deeper, more critical unresolved criminal case.
The ZRP issued a statement on Tuesday, 23 July, announcing a US$10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man accused of defrauding a local firm of a staggering US$300,000. The statement included a grainy photograph of the suspect, but no name, alias, or other identifying details were provided.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is urgently appealing for information which may lead to the identification, location and subsequent arrest of a most wanted person whose picture is part of the statement,” declared Commissioner Paul Nyathi, ZRP spokesperson.
“The suspect is being sought in connection with a fraud case of US$300 000.00 which occurred in Bulawayo. The suspect defrauded a local firm and disappeared. A reward of US$10 000.00 is being offered to anyone who will give credible information on the identity and location, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk on telephone (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.”
However, a closer look at the case has revealed a potential discrepancy that has left citizens with more questions than answers. Independent news outlet ZimLive, known for its investigative journalism, has pointed out that the man pictured in the ZRP statement bears a striking resemblance to an individual who has been sought by investigators for years in connection with the 2018 White City Stadium bombing.
“Police issue a statement with a picture of a man they say is wanted for fraud. Wanted he might be, but not for fraud. In fact the man in the picture is a suspect investigators have hunted for years over the 2018 White City bombing,” ZimLive wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The White City bombing, a horrific act of terrorism that shook the nation, occurred on 23 July 2018, during a Zanu-PF rally at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo. The explosion, which occurred near the stage as the rally was concluding, claimed the lives of two people and injured over 40 others, including several senior government figures.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was attending the rally, miraculously escaped unharmed, but Vice President Kembo Mohadi sustained injuries in the blast.
The incident grabbed international news headlines and raised concerns about the security of political leaders in ZImbabwe and the potential for further violence.
“It exploded a few inches away from me, but it is not my time. Those who are trying are likely to go before me. It’s my usual enemies … people outside of Bulawayo,” President Mnangagwa stated in the aftermath of the attack, suggesting that he believed the attack was not orchestrated by Bulawayo residents.
The 2018 bombing was not an isolated incident. President Mnangagwa has faced several alleged assassination attempts in recent years, including a poisoning incident at a rally in Gwanda and a mysterious car accident in 2014.
