Bulawayo – A pall of grief hangs over the Emakhandeni suburb following the tragic death of Godfrey Muzanenhamo, a former Highlanders football club player, first-division footballer, and dedicated member of the neighbourhood watch committee. Muzanenhamo was fatally shot in the head by armed assailants while on patrol on Thursday night, leaving the community in mourning and demanding justice.
The incident occurred as Muzanenhamo and his patrol team encountered a group of men emerging from a nearby bush. Sources indicate that Muzanenhamo, in his capacity as a vigilant member of the neighbourhood watch, questioned the men about their origin and destination. In response, one of the men drew a firearm and shot Muzanenhamo in the head before the gang fled the scene, leaving him critically wounded.
Muzanenhamo was immediately rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to the gunshot wound on Saturday night, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that investigations have linked the suspects in Muzanenhamo’s shooting to a series of violent armed robbery attacks recently carried out in the Entumbane suburb. The gang is believed to be part of an armed robbery syndicate that has targeted shops and sports bars in the area, terrorising residents and leaving them in a state of fear.
“The suspects are connected to the violent armed robbery incidents that occurred in Entumbane. We pass our sincere condolences to the family as we carry out investigations into the matter,” said Commissioner Nyathi, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Commissioner Nyathi emphasised the police’s commitment to apprehending the armed gang and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. He issued a stern warning to criminals, stating that those who engage in violence and take the lives of law enforcement officers will face the full force of the law.
“Criminals who think they can get away with murder will regret it. Criminals who kill police officers in the line of duty will be dealt with accordingly. This is also a message to criminals who think they are above the law. The law will be ruthless, and the police do not tolerate acts of terrorism and will respond accordingly to criminals. Zimbabwe is a lawful country and all citizens must abide by the law,” Commissioner Nyathi declared.
The recent wave of robberies has left residents on edge. Just before Muzanenhamo’s shooting, the armed suspects, armed with an axe and a gun, raided two sports bars in Entumbane suburb on Thursday night.
A security guard at Afri Sports Bar, Mr Devine Tsiga, recounted the terrifying ordeal. “They proceeded to the counter while we were still confused as to what was happening. One of them tried to axe me in the head, but I dodged and he struck me in the hand,” said Mr Tsiga.
He explained that while he was being attacked, other members of the gang were already demanding money from the bartender. The robbers then dragged the bartender outside the shop, axed him below the knee, and fired a shot into the air before moving on to Pick n Talk Sports Bar, where they fired two more shots, ordering patrons to lie down.
“Everyone complied, but we are disturbed why they axed the bar lady,” said a patron who witnessed the violence.
The brazen nature of the robberies has left the community reeling. When reporters arrived at Afri Sports Bar, bloodstains were still visible on the floor, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded less than 24 hours earlier.
Adding to the sense of insecurity, the robbers also struck Gibixhegu Beerhall, popularly known as koherbert, in the early hours of the morning. Three knife-wielding men made off with an assortment of alcoholic beverages, including seven bottles of Two Keys Whiskey, nine bottles of Gilbert Gin, three bottles of Viceroy, a bottle of Gordon’s Whiskey, and 20 Star brand beers, as well as an Itel cellphone, with a total value of US$140.
Proprietor Herbert Ndebele expressed his shock at how the criminals managed to breach his most secure door. He credited the reaction squad from a private security company with preventing further losses.
The loss of Godfrey Muzanenhamo is particularly poignant, given his contributions to both the sporting and community life of Bulawayo. Beyond his footballing achievements, Muzanenhamo was a dedicated member of the neighbourhood watch, committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of his fellow residents. His willingness to put himself in harm’s way to protect his community has been hailed as an act of bravery and selflessness.
Muzanenhamo is survived by his wife, netball legend Connie Buka, and their daughter, Nicole, who is a Zimbabwe national netball player and was part of the Gems team at the 2023 Netball World Cup in England. The family, understandably, has requested privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss. Mourners are currently gathered at house number 70220, New Lobengula, to offer their support and condolences.
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