FUGITIVE Kwekwe murder suspect Timothy Ernest Masendeke, who had been on the run since March this year, was arrested on Saturday and appeared in court yesterday.
BLESSED MHLANGA,STAFF REPORTER
Masendeke, who allegedly fatally attacked Jonathan Mpofu of Mbizo on March 29, accused the police of beating him and stealing his money after his arrest at the weekend.
The heavily-built Timothy, who together with his brothers Elson and Edward stands accused of having hacked Mpofu with a machete, was arrested by about 15 police officers in Rimuka, Kadoma, following a tip-off.
Appearing in court before resident magistrate Taurai Manwere, Timothy said the police officers beat him with baton sticks before stealing his $110 which was in his pockets.
“There were about 15 police officers who mobbed me, they beat me with baton sticks injuring my left eye and head in the process and I am sure I need medical examination,” he said.
Manwere instructed prosecutor Fiona Mkwena to investigate the assault and theft allegations before remanding Timothy in custody to December 31.
He will join his sibling Elson, who is also in custody for the same offence.
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Timothy in his warned-and-cautioned statement admitted to having assaulted Moyo after the now deceased allegedly broke his pint of beer.
He also implicated Nhamo Gore and Tafara Makwala, who were not part of the initial police investigations.
Older brother Edward is, however, still at large as police continue investigations into Mpofu’s murder.
It is the State’s case that on March 29, Elson, in the company of his brothers Ernest and Edward, Lazarus Mukarati and another man only known as Mahofa, had an altercation with the now deceased Mpofu at a bar in Mbizo 4.
The five allegedly assaulted Mpofu with fists, sticks and a machete which was recovered under Elson’s bed in Rimuka during his arrest.
“The five assaulted Mpofu with sticks, fists and a machete several times until he became unconscious.
“He sustained deep cuts on his forehead and several bruises all over his body and bled through the nose and mouth,” reads the statement.
