MT DARWIN – A gruesome discovery has rocked Rushinga community in Mt Darwin, following the brutal murder and decapitation of a young woman. Grace Murenza, 28, was found dead at the home of her brother, Barnabas Murenza, in Chief Rusambo’s area under village head Manyozo. Police have launched a manhunt for her ex-husband, David Meja, who is the prime suspect in this horrific crime.
The grim details of the discovery emerged when Grace’s daughter, Prisca Kamuriwo, went to her mother’s room around 5:30 am on September 23rd to collect her school uniform. What she found instead was a scene of unimaginable violence.
According to Mashonaland Central Province police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, “The girl arrived at the veranda and saw blood. Upon opening the door to her mother’s room, she found her mother’s headless body lying facing upwards. She immediately ran to the kitchen where her grandmother, Rhoda Murenza (76), was and informed her. They then called Barnabas Murenza, the owner of the house.”
The family immediately contacted the ZRP Rushinga police station, who in turn collaborated with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Mt Darwin. Upon their arrival at the four-roomed house, investigators found a trail of blood leading from the veranda into the house, indicating that the murder may have occurred outside before the body was moved inside. The scene itself was deeply disturbing.
Inspector Mundembe described it further: “The deceased’s clothes were scattered in the room. Her severed head was found discarded in a nearby toilet. Police also recovered the murder weapon.”
The brutality of the attack is evident in the details released by the police. The discovery of the murder weapon, along with the deliberate disposal of the victim’s head, points to a premeditated and exceptionally violent act. The body, clothed in a blue fleece jacket and a lower garment, was taken to Chimhanda Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The investigation quickly focused on Grace’s ex-husband, David Meja. Inspector Mundembe confirmed that Meja is the prime suspect.
“Therefore, we are searching for David Meja, suspected of murdering his ex-wife, Grace Murenza, out of jealousy following their separation. We urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to assist the police in apprehending him so he can face justice,” he said.
The relationship between Grace and Meja had been fraught with conflict, culminating in Meja’s eviction from their shared home. This eviction, according to Inspector Mundembe, was advised by Grace’s mother, Rhoda Murenza, due to Meja’s alleged bad behaviour and disagreements with his in-laws.
“The owner of the house, Barnabas Murenza, also resides in the Rushinga business centre. David Meja and his relatives reportedly had disagreements due to his alleged bad behaviour. Consequently, Grace Murenza’s mother, Rhoda Murenza (76), had advised her daughter to separate from him,” said Inspector Mundembe.
The police are, therefore, appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Meja and anyone with such information is urged to contact the nearest police station.
