The brutal murder of 78-year-old Enery Nankuku in Chegutu has shaken the small farming town and the nation at large, coming just two weeks after the discovery of two other women’s bodies on Stockdale Farm in the same area.
The chilling proximity of these incidents has heightened public anxiety and intensified calls for swift action from law enforcement.
Enery Nankuku was found dead on September 28th, 2024, at Umfuli Banks farm in Chegutu, bearing the grim signs of a sexual assault before her death. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) released a statement confirming the tragic incident and detailing the horrific circumstances surrounding Nankuku’s death.
The statement reads: “Police said Nankuku ‘was found dead with bruises on the thighs and a wound on the arm on 28 September 2024 at Umfuli Banks, Chegutu’. ‘The victim is suspected to have been sexually abused before being killed. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.’”
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The urgency of this appeal underscores the gravity of the crime and the lack of readily available information. The police are actively pursuing all leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.
While the police statement refrained from providing specific details about the nature of the sexual assault, such crimes against the elderly in Zimbabwe are often linked to ritualistic practices.
This grim association adds another layer of complexity and concern to the already horrifying case. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, further intensifying the need for a thorough and swift investigation.
These women were reported missing on September 6th, sparking a desperate search by family and friends. Their lifeless bodies were found two days later in the bushes of the farm, revealing a scene of unspeakable violence.
Police investigations revealed a grim scene. Sekai’s body bore a deep cut on the head and multiple bruises, while Alice’s body, found approximately 100 metres away, also displayed a deep head wound. The brutal nature of the injuries suggests a violent struggle. The bodies were ferried to Chegutu Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
The police are appealing to anyone with information regarding any of these cases to come forward and report to the nearest police station. The chilling similarities between the cases, coupled with their close proximity in both time and location, have understandably fuelled speculation and heightened public concern.
