A chilling tale of violence and robbery unfolded in Harare’s central business district last week, leaving a 57-year-old man dead and highlighting the desperate plight of street children in the city. Takudzwa Mombeshora, a 20-year-old street dweller, appeared in court on Thursday, 26 January, charged with murder following the incident. His accomplices remain at large.
The court heard that the incident occurred in the early hours of 15 January. Jile Forbes, 57, was making his way home to Dzivarasekwa after a night out, searching for transport when he was ambushed by Mombeshora and a group of other street children. The gang, according to the prosecution, targeted Forbes, seizing his sling bag and violently throwing him to the ground during a struggle. The impact of his head hitting the tarmac proved fatal.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi detailed the events before Harare magistrate Aplonia Marutya: “The accused then searched Forbes’ pockets, stealing his wallet containing $10 in cash, an Itel 70 cell phone, and other belongings before fleeing the scene, leaving him lying unconscious on the ground.” Forbes’ body was later discovered by another street dweller, who promptly alerted the police.
A subsequent post-mortem examination at Parirenyatwa Hospital revealed the cause of death as head trauma and a subdural hematoma, confirming the devastating impact of the attack. The callous robbery and the subsequent death underscore the escalating levels of violence plaguing Harare’s streets.
Following the crime, Mombeshora went into hiding. However, his freedom was short-lived. On 21 January, police received a tip-off regarding his whereabouts, leading them to the bustling Copacabana bus terminus. The arrest, however, was far from straightforward. Mombeshora resisted arrest, resorting to violence and biting one of the officers attempting to apprehend him. This act of aggression further highlights the desperation and potential for violence inherent in such situations.
Appearing before Magistrate Marutya, Mombeshora was advised to seek bail at the High Court. He was remanded in custody until 7 February for a routine remand hearing. The case has cast a harsh spotlight on the challenges faced by authorities in addressing the issues of street children and crime in Harare. The ongoing investigation aims to bring all those involved in this tragic incident to justice.
The magistrate’s decision to advise Mombeshora to seek bail at the High Court reflects the seriousness of the charges against him. The murder charge carries a significant potential sentence, underscoring the gravity of his actions. The details presented in court paint a grim picture of a violent crime committed against a defenceless individual, highlighting the increasingly dangerous environment in certain parts of Harare.
The incident also raises concerns about the safety and security of citizens, particularly those moving around the city at night. The brazen nature of the attack, occurring in a relatively public area, suggests a worrying lack of safety and security in some parts of Harare. The absence of his accomplices from the court proceedings raises further questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in tracking down and apprehending perpetrators of violent crime.
The fact that Mombeshora is a street dweller adds another layer of complexity to the case. It raises questions about the root causes of crime, the lack of opportunities for vulnerable youth, and the effectiveness of existing social support systems. The incident underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues that contribute to such acts of violence. This includes not only law enforcement but also social welfare programmes designed to support vulnerable youth and prevent them from falling into lives of crime.
The biting of a police officer during the arrest further complicates the situation, adding charges of assault to the already serious murder charge. This act of defiance demonstrates a clear disregard for law and order, and it will likely impact the sentencing should Mombeshora be found guilty. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in dealing with individuals involved in violent crime.
