The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent
THE 25-year-old woman who was recently mobbed and assaulted by Dangamvura residents accusing her of attempting to kidnap a five-year-old pupil for ritual purposes allegedly lured the latter with snacks, The Manica Post has learnt.
The girl who was interviewed by the police in the company of her mother and aunt revealed that the woman, Tinotenda Makuyana, told her that she wanted to buy her a packet of snacks if she followed her. “We had an interview with the five-year-old girl and she revealed that Makuyana opened her satchel and saw some snacks which were in her lunch box. She then told her that she could buy her more snacks if she agrees to go with her,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.
Makuyana had to be protected by police officers after scores of residents mobbed her, baying for her blood. The incensed residents who suspected another case of kidnapping for ritual purposes thronged Dangamvura Police Station demanding to mete instant justice on her.
Rumours quickly spread that the suspect had been contracted by a well-known kombi operator (name withheld) to kidnap children for ritual purposes in order to enhance his enterprise. According to the police, residents mobbed her demanding to know her real intentions. She lured the girl who was on her way to Mukwena Business Centre to see her mother (name withheld). Leonard Chinevadzimu saw Makuyana luring the girl. He quickly told her guardian who quickly restrained her from entertaining the stranger.
Makuyana was subsequently arrested and charged with kidnapping. She appeared in court last week and was remanded in custody to yesterday (Thursday) for trial. She is denying the charges.
