TWO police officers and one civilian were shot dead in Chipinge on Tuesday by a suspected poacher they were trying to arrest.

OBEY MANAYITI

The two police officers – Sergeants Robert Shumba (39) and Vengai Mazhara (35) – were shot dead at Plot 34, Naffaerton, in Chipinge alongside Chaita Simango.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident.

“Circumstances are that the police officers reacted to a tip-off that a suspected poacher was in possession of a firearm at Simango’s homestead,” Charamba said. “On seeing police officers, the suspect sprang into action and opened fire, killing the two officers and Simango instantly. He then fled the scene.”

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The incident has left the Chipinge community shellshocked with NewsDay inundated with calls from residents condemning the killings and imploring the police to move with speed to arrest the assailant, who is now on the run.