The tranquil Hunyani River, a familiar sight for many in Chinhoyi, has become a grim reminder of the escalating youth violence plaguing the town. The recent murder of 21-year-old Passmore Moyo along its banks has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents shaken and demanding answers.
The brutal nature of the attack, where Moyo was mercilessly assaulted with bricks, has ignited fear and a sense of unease. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of 13 male juveniles, all believed to be part of a notorious vigilante group known as the “No Mercy Family.”
“ZRP is investigating a case of murder which occurred on July 20, 2024 along Hunyani River, near Rusununguko, Chinhoyi in which Passmore Moyo (21) died. Thirteen (13) male juveniles assaulted the victim with bricks on the head following a scuffle over an undisclosed issue,” said police.
The “No Mercy Family” is reportedly composed of learners from a local government school, and their reputation precedes them. They are known for instilling fear among students from surrounding schools through bullying and intimidation. The group’s actions, once confined to schoolyard skirmishes, have now tragically spilled over into the wider community.
Moyo’s death is not an isolated incident. Chinhoyi has witnessed a string of violent crimes in recent weeks, prompting calls for increased police presence and stricter measures to curb the growing lawlessness. Member of Parliament (MP) Leslie Mhangwa, echoing the sentiment of many, has appealed for additional police posts and heightened patrols in the town.
“We need a visible police presence to deter these criminals. The current situation is simply unsustainable,” said Mhangwa.
In another case of violance within the same province, an attempted murder of a 17-year-old boy at Waverly bus stop in Kadoma on the same day as Moyo’s death further underscores the alarming trend of youth violence in Zimbabwe, particularly in Mashonaland West province. The victim, who is currently receiving treatment at Sally Mugabe Hospital, was brutally assaulted with boots and fists before being stabbed with an okapi knife.
The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of young people in the face of escalating crime. The perpetrators of these heinous acts, many of whom are themselves teenagers, are exhibiting a disturbing disregard for human life.
The question now facing Chinhoyi is how to address this growing crisis. While increased police presence is a necessary step, it is not a silver bullet. Experts believe that a multi-pronged approach is required, involving community engagement, social programmes, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of youth violence.
“We need to understand why these young people are resorting to violence. Is it a lack of opportunity, a breakdown in family structures, or a culture of impunity? Until we address these underlying issues, we will continue to see these tragedies unfold,” said Mirriam Mangena, a social worker who works with at-risk youth in Chinhoyi.
