Two men convicted of the horrific murder of seven-year-old Tapiwa Makore Jr. are pleading for leniency as they await sentencing today.
Tafadzwa Shamba and Tapiwa Makore Sr. face possible death sentences for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Tapiwa Jr. last September.
In court, Shamba said he is willing to appease the spirit of the young boy in hopes of gaining leniency. Makore Sr. argued that nine years in prison would be sufficient punishment for his role in the murder.
However, prosecutors have pushed for the death penalty, arguing the two men have shown no remorse. Prosecutors noted the two have failed to reveal the whereabouts of the boy’s head and have protected the traditional healer who instructed them to kill the boy for ritual purposes.
Prosecutors said the brutal murder of Tapiwa Jr. for ritual purposes was exceptionally grave and heinous, making the two men undeserving of leniency. They said the boy died a painful death at the hands of people he trusted.
Justice Munamato Mutevedzi is set to deliver the sentences today. The fate of Shamba and Makore Sr. now rests in the hands of the court.
