The streets of Mutare are once again gripped by fear following the brutal murder of another popular vendor, Liberty Vheremu, who was stabbed multiple times by six unknown assailants last Thursday night. This chilling incident comes just a week after the murder of popular Dangamvura barber, Clever Marumbwa, also killed by six unknown armed men.
Vheremu, 23, was walking home with his brother, Shepherd, along a footpath near the railway line in Sakubva when they were confronted by the six men. The assailants, armed with knives, demanded the brothers surrender their belongings.
“Liberty and his brother, Shepherd, were walking from town along a footpath to Sakubva with their satchels and cellphones. Upon approaching the railway line, they saw six armed men walking in front of them. After walking for about 30 metres from the railway line, the accused persons ordered the two brothers to surrender everything they had. Two of the accused persons threatened them with a knife and stabbed Shepherd on his ankle,” said Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka.
One of the suspects took US$5 from Shepherd, along with his satchel and cellphone charger. Liberty, attempting to escape, ran for about five metres before being caught by the other four assailants. He was then stabbed in the throat and left hip.
“One of the suspects took US$5 from Shepherd, including his satchels and cellphone charger. Liberty tried to run away for about five metres, and was caught by the other four assailants, and was stabbed with a knife on the throat and left hip. The suspects fled from the scene,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Shepherd, unable to revive his brother who lay motionless on the ground, rushed to a nearby bar for help. When he returned with others, they discovered that Liberty was dead. A small Nokia cellphone was found at the scene. They tried to move Liberty to a nearby road, but were unsuccessful. Shepherd was then tasked with reporting the incident to the police.
Police arrived at the scene and took Liberty’s body to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The stolen property was valued at US$100, and only a Nokia cellphone valued at US$10 was recovered.
The incident has left Mutare residents reeling in shock and fear. The brutal nature of the attack, with Vheremu being stabbed multiple times, has sparked widespread concern about the safety of Mutare residents, particularly those who frequent the area where the incident occurred.
The police are investigating the murder and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“We are treating the matter as murder. Investigations are in progress to bring the suspects to book, and we appeal to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of the suspects to report to their nearest police station,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The murder of Liberty Vheremu comes just a week after the brutal murder of Clever Marumbwa, a popular Dangamvura barber, who was also stabbed multiple times by six unknown assailants. Marumbwa was stabbed in the abdomen, back, right thigh, and left hip. He lost a lot of blood and was pronounced dead on arrival at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
The knife-wielding suspects also robbed Marumbwa of cash and other valuables that were in his satchel. They also injured Marumbwa’s friend, Mr Retiscence Mutare, stabbing him on both hands and the back before disappearing into the darkness.
Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. They are also appealing to anyone with information about either murder to come forward and assist with the investigations.
