Guruve – A chilling incident has shaken the community of Guruve, Mashonaland Central province, leaving residents reeling in disbelief and sorrow. On Friday, July 12, 2024, Bios Gweshe, a man battling mental health challenges, tragically took the life of his own daughter, Grace Gweshe, at a local apostolic church shrine. The incident has sparked a wave of concern about the need for increased mental health awareness and support in Zimbabwe.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Gweshe, aged 34, was found to have armed himself with an axe, which he used to strike his daughter during a cleansing ceremony at the shrine.
“Police in Guruve have arrested a suspected mental patient, Bios Gweshe (34) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at a church shrine at Gweshe village on July 12, 2024,” Commissioner Nyathi confirmed. “The suspect allegedly killed his daughter, Grace Gweshe with an axe.”
The details of the incident are still emerging, but reports suggest that Gweshe was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the attack. The cleansing ceremony, a common practice in many apostolic churches and commonly referred to as ‘kushandirwa kumasowe’, was intended to address spiritual or physical ailments. However, the tragic turn of events has cast a dark shadow over the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness.
The incident has also raised concerns about the lack of access to mental health services in rural areas like Guruve. Many Zimbabweans, particularly those living in rural communities, lack access to mental health professionals and support systems. Stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to a cycle of suffering and, in some cases, tragedy.
In a separate incident, police in Lupane are investigating another case of murder that occurred on the same day, July 12, 2024, at Mlonyeni village. Lucy Sibanda, 84, was found dead with multiple cuts on her head and neck. The police are currently seeking Logic Nyathi, 24, who is suspected to be linked to the case and is currently on the run.
The ZRP is appealing to anyone with information regarding either incident to come forward and report to the nearest police station.
