By A Correspondent| A Chiredzi man was arrested on Tuesday after making scathing remarks against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and businessman Wicknell Chivayo over the demolition of vendor stalls in the town.

Tafadzwa Nelton Matanhuse, 32, handed himself over at Chiredzi Police Station accompanied by lawyer Martin Mureri, following a public appeal by police for information on his whereabouts.

Matanhuse faces charges linked to comments he allegedly made blaming Mnangagwa and Chivayo for the destruction of market stalls, which he said “threw tens of vulnerable families into possible starvation.”

In the remarks, Matanhuse reportedly called the two “dogs” and “selfish people who are not concerned about the poor.” He is quoted as saying, “Kill me if they so wish,” and criticised them for “donating expensive cars to the rich when the poor are starving.” He also claimed that “Mnangagwa is not going to care anymore about the people after getting 2 years term extension from Parliament.”

Supporters argue that “Tafadzwa speaks for the silent majority because what he says is what is on every Zimbabwean’s lips.”

His arrest came after the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a notice seeking public assistance to locate him.

*Full Police Statement:* 
“The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist in the location and subsequent arrest of a suspect identified as Tafadzwa Nelton Matanhuse (32) of House number 1267 Njonjorinjo Road Chiredzi who is being sought in connection with ongoing criminal investigations. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712800197.”

Police confirmed Matanhuse was charged yesterday. The case has fueled debate amid ongoing tensions over the demolition of informal trading stalls in Chiredzi.