Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the deceased as Ernest Mapako, aged 52. The post Cheeky firewood ‘thief’ kills security guard appeared first on newsday .
GWERU, (NewsDay Live)- A private security employed at a plot in Gweru died on Sunday following a bloody confrontation with a suspected firewood thief.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the deceased as Ernest Mapako, aged 52.
He said Mapako succumbed to the injuries on Sunday after he was struck with an iron bar at a private agricultural plot in Greenvale, Gweru.
“Allegations are that on 12 August 2026 at about 0500 hours, the now deceased, Ernest Mapako was on duty as a security guard at Plot 11A in Greenvale when he was allegedly assaulted by Thabani Mpofu, aged 23, using an iron bar,”Mahoko said.
“Mpofu allegedly assaulted Mapako after accusing him of informing a resident (name not given) that he had used her firewood during the night. The suspect fled from the scene after members of the community responded to his (Mapako’s) cries for help.”
Mapako was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital after sustaining injuries, including a fractured leg.
“However on 30 August at around 0815 hours, Mapako’s condition deteriorated and he subsequently died while admitted at the hospital,”said Mahoko.
He said police have since launched a manhunt for Mpofu and appealed to members of the public who might have information on his whereabouts to report at ZRP Gweru Central or the nearest police station.
The post Cheeky firewood ‘thief’ kills security guard appeared first on newsday.
