The usually peaceful Manyaya Village under Chief Mutema in Chipinge was plunged into a state of shock and grief last Sunday following a brutal double murder that left villagers reeling in horror.
The victims, Gogo Sophia Sithole (70) and her four-year-old niece, Rachael Dhaera, were brutally murdered by Trust Chivhunze (38), who allegedly nursed a grudge against the elderly woman. The horrific incident took place on Sunday evening.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the gruesome details of the double murder, painting a chilling picture of the suspect’s brutality.
“On August 17, around 2pm, Sophia Sithole accompanied by Rachael, visited her daughter, Celia Dhaera (36), who stays alone at her homestead. On the same day at around 7pm, they left for an all-night prayer service in the same area. The following day, Dhaera left the two at the prayer site, and proceeded to Headman Chivhunze’s community court, where she attended a court session which lasted up to 3pm as a witness,” he explained.
It was during this time that the unthinkable happened. Chivhunze, known for his violent tendencies and past threats against Sithole, seized his opportunity.
He allegedly set fire to a pile of thatching grass and then tossed the unsuspecting Sithole onto the burning heap. The elderly woman was burned beyond recognition, her body consumed by the flames.
Chivhunze then moved to the kitchen hut, where he brutally crushed Rachael’s head against the floor, killing her instantly. The impact of the blow was so forceful that it shattered the child’s skull, splattering her brains and blood across the hut.
“Dhaera arrived back from Headman Chivhunze’s court, and saw heaped thatching grass that was burning, but did not suspect anything,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
“She went straight into her bedroom hut where she was shocked to discover bloodstains and brain portions splashed all over the house. She discovered Rachael’s body lying in a pool of blood on the bed. She took the body and placed it on a mat that was on the doorstep.
“Out of curiosity, Dhaera dashed out of the bedroom to the burning thatching grass to investigate. Sadly, she discovered Sithole’s body on fire,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Dhaera’s screams of horror attracted the attention of a neighbour, Mr Boniye Mtisi (39), who rushed to the homestead and alerted other villagers. The community was horrified by the sight of the gruesome scene and apprehended Chivhunze who was subsequently arrested by the police.
“Police later attended the scene and discovered that Rachael had an open skull, consistent to being hit by a blunt object, but all other body parts were intact,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
“Sithole’s body had been burnt beyond recognition. No murder weapon was recovered from the scene of crime. Police also discovered a box of matches and cigarette stub besides Rachael’s body. Police are yet to recover the weapons used to commit the heinous crime, and investigation are continuing,” he added.
The motive for the murders is believed to stem from an earlier accusation made by Sithole against Chivhunze. The elderly woman had accused him of stealing a blanket from her daughter’s washing line.
Although Chivhunze denied the accusation, however, he allegedly harboured a deep resentment towards Sithole, which ultimately led to the horrific act of violence.
