A wave of violence swept across Zimbabwe during the Christmas period, leaving a grim trail of 47 murder victims in its wake, police have reported. The shocking statistics, released on Friday by police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, paint a disturbing picture of escalating crime and a breakdown of social order.
Commissioner Nyathi expressed profound concern over the surge in homicides, stating: “47 cases of murder have been received during the period 20th December 2024 to 26th December 2024.” He issued a strong plea for peaceful conflict resolution, urging citizens to find non-violent ways to settle disputes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to find peaceful methods of resolving disputes or differences at the family and society level. The church, traditional leaders and general community are implored to come on board to ensure the public respects the sanctity of human life,” he added.
The majority of these tragic incidents, according to police reports, stemmed from alcohol-fuelled altercations at social gatherings during the festive season. Christmas celebrations, often marked by increased social interaction and alcohol consumption, appear to have been tragically intertwined with a significant rise in violent crime.
Other cases involved unprovoked attacks on individuals walking at night, highlighting a growing sense of insecurity. Disputes over romantic relationships also contributed to the alarming number of homicides.
The details of some of these cases paint a particularly harrowing picture. In Mwenezi, Triangle, on Christmas Day, a fatal misunderstanding unfolded during a beer-drinking session. Mastard Chauke (22) and Tongai Moyo had a disagreement, resulting in Chauke throwing a stone. Tragically, the stone missed its intended target and struck Ostern Mangaru (29) in the chest, killing him instantly.
Another incident on the same day, in Musavezi Business Centre, Shurugwi, involved a fatal stabbing. Learnmore Mudzengi (36) stabbed Sydney Mudzengi (21) once in the chest with a Columbian knife following a dispute. The details surrounding the nature of their argument remain unclear, but the outcome was undeniably tragic.
The senseless violence extended even to the family unit. On 26 December, in Kuwadzana 7, Harare, Nihipalakar Muyaya (22) was arrested for the brutal murder of his 70-year-old grandmother, Agnes Duri.
Police allege that Muyaya beat his grandmother to death with his fists and feet after she failed to provide him with a Christmas gift. This case underscores the disturbing reality that violence can tragically occur within the most intimate of relationships.
