Police Intensify Manhunt for Marima’s Fugitive Accomplices After Conviction in CID Officer Kidnapping

GOKWE – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified a nationwide manhunt for two fugitives linked to the sensational abduction and torture of a CID detective during the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) public hearings in Gokwe, warning that the suspects remain dangerous and determined to evade justice.

The renewed hunt follows the conviction and sentencing of four men involved in the brazen kidnapping of Detective Constable Bester Tati, a CID Law and Order officer who was on official duty during the politically charged hearings in Nembudziya.

Convicted are Isheunesu Benjamin Marima (30), Collin Masawi (44), Wonder Gamba (43) and Edwin Chinongwa (32), who were each sentenced to lengthy prison terms by Gokwe Regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje after being found guilty of kidnapping and assault.

Police are now pursuing two remaining suspects identified as Erickson Mafuratidze and  one only identified as "Mujudha", who vanished following the arrests of their accomplices and are believed to be hiding in an attempt to escape prosecution.
Midlands CID provincial spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachael Mutemeri confirmed that investigations remain active and appealed to members of the public to assist law enforcement agencies with information that may lead to the arrest of the fugitives.

“We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Erickson Mafuratidze and Mujudha to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk. The law will certainly catch up with them,” said Mutemeri.
The case sent shockwaves across the country after revelations emerged that the victim, Detective Tati, was allegedly lured away from the CAB3 hearing venue by Marima under the pretext of a private security discussion.

According to court proceedings, the detective was forcibly bundled into a vehicle by the gang before being driven to a secluded area in Maselukwe where he was severely assaulted.

Investigations revealed the attackers allegedly subjected the officer to brutal torture before dumping him near Mutora Business Centre and fleeing from the scene.

Police later recovered two vehicles allegedly used during the operation — a Toyota Hilux registration number AGE 0792 and a Ford Ranger registration number AGE 5681.

The incident triggered a high-level police operation that led to Marima’s dramatic arrest during another CAB3 hearing in Somabhula, while follow-up raids resulted in the apprehension of the other convicted accomplices.

Authorities say the outstanding suspects have since gone underground as pressure mounts from investigators determined to dismantle the entire network behind the attack.

The kidnapping of a serving detective while on duty exposed the growing boldness of criminal elements operating under perceived political protection and raised serious concerns over the safety of state security officers carrying out constitutional and public order assignments.

Legal observers say the attack represented a direct assault on the rule of law, particularly given that the victim was conducting official state duties at the time of the abduction.
Mutemeri warned that police would not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation or lawlessness against law enforcement officers or civilians.
“Kidnapping, assault and any acts of violence are serious criminal offences. Offenders will face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
The ZRP has urged citizens with information regarding the fugitives to contact police through the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, 077 6 988 007 or report anonymously at any nearest police station.
The manhunt continues.