A chilling tale of violence has unfolded in Chinhoyi, leaving a community reeling and a family mourning. Tafadzwa Nkonde, a 33-year-old gold panner, appeared in the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on September 12, 2024, facing murder charges stemming from a brutal attack that took place on August 30, 2024.
The accused, Nkonde, is alleged to have approached Nokuthula Mazivisa, who was on her way to her garden in the Dandadale area of Chinhoyi, with a proposition. He offered her US$5 for lula lula. Mazivisa, however, refused his advances, a decision that would have tragic consequences.
Nkonde, enraged by her rejection, grabbed Mazivisa by the neck from behind and dragged her into the nearby bushes. There, he brutally raped her. His cruelty did not end there. In a chilling act of barbarity, Nkonde took a bottle of pesticide from Mazivisa’s handbag and forced the contents down her throat. He then vanished into the nearby bush, leaving his victim for dead.
Passersby, alerted by Mazivisa’s groans, rushed to the scene. Nkonde, however, reappeared and was identified by Mazivisa, who recounted her harrowing ordeal to those who came to her aid.
Tragically, Mazivisa succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the hospital.
Nkonde, who had been on the run following the attack, was apprehended and brought before the court. He was remanded in custody until September 18, 2024, as investigations continue.
