TellZim reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo have made an appeal to the public seeking information on the whereabouts of 44 year-old Taurai Takawira.
According to a document obtained from Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa, the man went missing on September 30 in a forest close to Marota Primary School near Bhati area of Masvingo West constituency.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information leading to the location of Taurai Takawira, a male adult aged 44. He was last seen wearing a blue trousers and white T-shirt. He is medium built.
“Takawira was last seen on September 30, 2022 at a forest close to Marota Primary School, Masvingo. Anyone with information to contact Officer in Charge CID Law and Order Masvingo Detective Inspector Nyoni on 0772 399 753, 039- 2263801 or the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Tarwirei on 0774 442 147,” read part of the document.
The disappearance of Takawira according to Chief Bere’s spokesperson Adnos Chikomo is strongly linked to boundary wrangles that have marred the resuscitation of their chieftaincy with Chief Charumbira loyalists allegedly opposing the new arrangement.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chikomo said Chief Bere is worried by the resistance by people from Charumbira whom he regards as ‘caretaker leaders’ who are now resisting the true chiefs of the area’s coming on board.
He said they are of a strong feeling that the people from Charumbira are responsible since they are reported to have attacked Takawira and two others as they were clearing land for newly-installed village heads in the Bhati area.
“As the spokesperson of the Bere clan, the Chief has sent me to express how worried he is over the disappearance of Takawira. On the day of his disappearance, he was with two of our newly-installed village heads (Luckson Sinamayi and Mike Wengedzayi Matambanadzo) the Chief has allocated areas in Bhati area where the Charumbiras are contesting, so we strongly feel those who assaulted the other two are responsible for the disappearance.
“Since there are 11 assailants whom the police once arrested in connection with the assault of the two village heads, we feel they must also be held responsible for Takawira’s disappearance because he was together with the two,” said Chikomo.
He said they have tried on a number of occasions to look for Takawira but nothing has materialised so far and his family is always posing questions to the traditional leadership
“We once tried to look for him but nothing so has come out of the physical searches. What is now disturbing us is that his wife and kids always look for an answer from us, but we have no clue to that effect,” he added.
Chikomo alleges that Takawira disappeared after he and the two village heads were chased by axe-wielding Charumbira loyalists in the area that borders Bere area near Bhati the two heads were given to look after. The trio were in the process of constructing make-shift shelters when their assailants approached.
