Two Hopley residents are facing m_rder charges after their attempt to punish a suspected thief resulted in his death. Elias Zalila, 53, and Gabriel Manyowa, 32, apprehended Tichaona Moto, who they alleged had unlawfully entered their property with the intent to steal.
The incident occurred at midnight on December 29, 2023, at a residential property in Hopley, Harare. The duo reportedly ass_ulted Moto all over his body using open hands, clenched fists, and wooden sticks. The severity of the be@ting led to Moto sustaining serious injuries.
Despite the grave condition of the victim, Zalila and Manyowa continued their vi0lent ass_ult, even going as far as to strip him of his clothes. Once they realized Moto was near de@th, they discarded his body at another residential property in Hopley, where it was discovered the following morning.
A report was subsequently filed at ZRP Southlea Park, and Moto’s body was transported to Sally Mugabe Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits post-mortem. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Harare conducted an investigation, which led to the arrest of Zalila and Manyowa. The pair are due back in court on June 26.
