The nine-day search for missing Jackson Nhamburo ended tragically with the discovery of his body, concealed under a layer of river sand along a dry riverbed near Machekera village in Chihota. The grim discovery was made after dogs unearthed the remains, bringing a heartbreaking conclusion to the desperate search efforts.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Simon Chazovachii, confirmed the incident, stating: “Police are investigating a murder case at a village in Chihota. The now deceased was reported to have been kidnapped.”
The police are treating the case as a murder investigation, focusing on establishing the circumstances surrounding Nhamburo’s death and identifying those responsible.
While the police investigation is underway, sources within the community have shed light on a possible motive for the crime. According to these sources, Nhamburo was allegedly targeted and killed after he was found wearing stolen shoes. The village has reportedly been plagued by a series of thefts, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and fearful.
One source recounted the events leading to Nhamburo’s death, stating: “Thieves have been causing us sleepless nights in the village. Jackson was found wearing stolen shoes, they bundled him into a truck, drove him to a secluded place where they beat him to death. We do not know if he was the one who stole the shoes or he bought stolen property.”
This account suggests a brutal crime driven by suspicion and vigilantism, highlighting the anxieties and tensions within the community.
The discovery of Nhamburo’s body, covered in river sand, points to a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime. The perpetrators’ actions suggest a calculated effort to dispose of the body and evade detection. The use of a truck further indicates a level of planning and coordination, suggesting the involvement of more than one individual.
The recovery of the body, while bringing closure to the search, also raises further questions about the prevailing security situation in the village. The reported spate of thefts underscores the need for increased police presence and community initiatives to address the root causes of crime and improve safety.
