A chilling wave of violence has swept across Zimbabwe, leaving a trail of grief and despair in its wake. In a grim week, ten lives were tragically cut short, with a disturbing array of motives ranging from domestic disputes to senseless acts of brutality.
The grim statistics paint a stark picture of the escalating violence plaguing our nation. From the rural backwaters of Guruve to the bustling streets of Chitungwiza, the spectre of murder has cast a dark shadow over communities, leaving families shattered and the nation reeling.
One of the most disturbing cases involved the death of Grace Gweshe, whose life was cruelly cut short by her own father, Bios Gweshe. The incident, which occurred at a church shrine in Gweshe Village, Guruve, sent shockwaves through the community. Police, who arrested Bios Gweshe, described him as a suspected mental patient, suggesting a possible link between his actions and a mental health crisis.
“Police in Guruve have arrested a suspected mental patient, Bios Gweshe, aged 34, in connection with a case of murder which occurred at a church shrine at Gweshe Village on July 12, 2024. The suspect allegedly killed his daughter, Grace Gweshe, with an axe,” said National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The tragedy in Guruve was just one of several murders that occurred last week. In Lupane, Lucy Sibanda, 84, was found dead with multiple cuts on her head and neck. Logic Nyathi, 24, is being sought by police in connection with the murder.
“Police in Lupane are investigating another case of murder which occurred at Mlonyeni Village on July 12, 2024, in which the victim, Lucy Sibanda (84) was found dead, with multiple cuts on the head and neck. Logic Nyathi (24), who is being linked to the case is on the run and they were looking for him,” Comm Nyathi said.
In Nkayi, Nkosana Moyo, 40, was brutally attacked with machetes and axes by four unknown assailants near Svesve Village. The motive for the attack remains unclear. Moyo succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital in Inyathi.
“Police in Nkayi are also appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of murder, which occurred on July 10 near Svesve Village, Shangani North. Four unknown suspects struck the victim, Nkosana Moyo (40), with machetes and axes for unknown reasons. The victim died while being admitted to a hospital in Inyathi on July 12,” Comm Nyathi said.
In Bindura, Ephraim Benard was found dead in a hut at Foothills Farm, with multiple cuts on his head. The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
The violence extended to Mhondoro, where Tineyi Zonde, 35, was found dead with a swollen face and fractured hand near Sanyika Village. The cause of his death is yet to be determined.
In Mwenezi, a domestic dispute turned deadly when Daisy Ivy Makanaka, 25, struck her husband, Talent Golden Masuku, 40, with a log on the head and stabbed him with a kitchen knife on the back. The attack occurred after Makanaka found her husband in the company of his ex-wife, Shingirai Mativenga. Masuku died at the scene, while Mativenga sustained injuries from the attack.
“Police in Mwenezi have also arrested Daisy Ivy Makanaka (25) in connection with a case of murder that occurred on July 10 at Masvosva Village. The suspect struck her husband, Talent Golden Masuku (40), with a log on the head and stabbed him with a kitchen knife on the back, after finding him in the company of his ex-wife, Shingirai Mativenga (44). Police said the victim died on the spot. The suspect also struck Mativenga on the head with a log and bit her on the cheek,” Comm Nyathi said.
In Chitungwiza, a fight over a cigarette led to the death of Manfred Mujuru, 44. Prince Gwashure, 46, was arrested for assaulting Mujuru with clenched fists and feet, causing injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
“Comm Nyathi also confirmed the arrest of Prince Gwashure (46) in connection with a case of murder which occurred along Kunaka Street, Unit C in Chitungwiza last week, in which Manfred Mujuru (44) died. The suspect assaulted the victim with clenched fists and feet indiscriminately following a misunderstanding over a cigarette. The victim succumbed to injuries whilst receiving treatment at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on July 9, 2024,” Comm Nyathi said.
In a separate incident in Shurugwi, Future Ngwenya, 35, was killed after an argument over beer at a business centre. Trymore Mahuro, 30, and Albert Gido, 38, are being sought by police for attacking Ngwenya with a plastic chair and stabbing him with a sharp object.
“Police in Shurugwi are investigating a case of murder which occurred at a bottle store at Zviumwa Business Centre. The suspects, Trymore Mahuro aged 30 and Albert Gido aged 38 attacked the victim, Future Ngwenya aged 35, with a plastic chair before stabbing him with an unknown sharp object on the stomach, after an argument during a beer drinking spree. The victim died on the spot. The suspects are on the run,” Comm Nyathi said.
In Zvimba, Miriam Nyamayegore, 31, was arrested for allegedly striking her grandmother, Rachel Tekenende, 72, with a hoe, following a dispute over an undisclosed issue.
“A woman has been arrested in Zvimba on allegations of fatally striking her 72-year-old grandmother with a hoe following a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue. The woman, Miriam Nyamayegore (31) was arrested in connection with the case of murder which occurred at a house in Granary Phase 2B, Zvimba in which her grandmother, Rachel Tekenende aged 72 died,” Comm Nyathi said.
The string of murders has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising concerns about the safety and security of citizens. Police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The incidents also highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
As the nation mourns the loss of these precious lives, it is imperative that we work together to create a safer and more just society for all.
