A dramatic, almost movie-style arrest in Mozambique has brought an alleged serial killer to justice, ending a reign of terror that claimed the lives of a popular barber, a local vendor, and a police officer in Mutare. Sanele Simbarashe Makono, the prime suspect, is now behind bars, his capture facilitated by a seemingly insignificant clue: a stolen mobile phone.
Three knife-wielding assailants, including Makono, attacked them, stabbing Marumbwa repeatedly on his abdomen, back, right thigh, and left hip. He bled profusely and was pronounced dead on arrival at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Mutare also suffered injuries to his hands and back during the attack. The assailants robbed Marumbwa of his cellphone, cash, and other valuables, setting in motion the chain of events that would ultimately lead to Makono’s capture.
Unbeknownst to Makono, the stolen cellphone would become his digital footprint, allowing detectives to track his movements across the border. The phone’s signal led investigators to Manica Province in Mozambique, a seemingly safe haven for the fugitive. The trail eventually led them to Takudzwa Chigodora, a 35-year-old Mozambican national residing in Chizho Village, Machipanda.
Chigodora admitted to purchasing the phone from an individual known only as “Tatenda.” This seemingly dead end was quickly resurrected when detectives uncovered “Tatenda’s” true identity: Sanele Simbarashe Makono.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, described the international operation that led to Makono’s arrest on September 20th: “A report was received from Econet Zimbabwe, revealing that one of the deceased, (Clever Marumbwa)’s cellphone was being used with an Econet line, registered in the name of Takudzwa Chigodora (35) of Chizho Village, Machipanda, Mozambique.
Chigodora who is now a Mozambican national was contacted, and he said he bought the cellphone in Mozambique from a person only known as Tatenda. Investigations revealed that Tatenda’s real name is the murder suspect, Sanele Simbarashe Makono. Detectives in Mutare proceeded to Machipanda Police Station, and interviewed Makono. Makono admitted killing Marumbwa.”
With Makono in their sights, detectives secured an extradition order, and on September 18th, he was brought back to Zimbabwe to face justice. Under interrogation, Makono confessed not only to the murder of Marumbwa but also to two other brutal killings, solidifying his alleged status as a serial killer.
Makono’s reign of terror continued with the murder of police officer Trevor Mundida on September 11th. Makono and his gang allegedly stabbed Mundida to death along a footpath near the OTS section of Sakubva.
Following his confessions, Makono cooperated with detectives, leading them to each of the crime scenes and providing positive indications.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka stated: “Upon interrogation, he revealed that he was involved in the murder of two other victims, Liberty Vheremu and Trevor Mundida. Makono voluntarily led detectives to all the three crime scenes where he made positive indications. Weapons used in the commission of the offences as well as stolen property are still to be recovered.”
Makono has appeared at Mutare Magistrates’ Court for an initial remand hearing and has been remanded in custody until October 4th. Police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects involved in these heinous crimes.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka reassured the public, saying, “the police will leave no stone unturned to bring the other outstanding suspects to book.”
He also appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the arrest of the remaining fugitives, urging anyone with information to contact their nearest police station. The recovery of the weapons used in these brutal attacks remains a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
