A 72-year-old man, Elijah Kesia, was brutally murdered in his home in the Pathway mining community of Kadoma on New Year’s Eve, leaving residents shaken and highlighting a concerning rise in violent crime across Zimbabwe. The incident, which occurred around 3 AM on December 31st, 2024, at Mazaretha Patchway, involved an unidentified intruder who stormed into Kesia’s bedroom and attacked him with an axe.
The attacker struck Kesia on the forehead with the axe, inflicting fatal injuries. Kesia died at the scene. Following the murder, the assailant ransacked the bedroom, stealing approximately US$3,000 in cash and a cellphone before fleeing. The brazen nature of the attack and the theft have left the community deeply disturbed and fearful.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident and the launch of a manhunt for the perpetrator. In a statement, Commissioner Nyathi appealed for public assistance: “Police in Kadoma are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of murder which occurred on December 31, 2024 at around 0300 hours at Mazaretha Patchway in which Elijah Kesia (72) died. An unknown suspect stormed into the victim’s bedroom and struck him with an axe on the forehead. The victim died on the spot. The suspect stole approximately US$3,000 cash and a cellphone. Anyone with information to report at any nearest police station.”
The killing of Mr. Kesia underscores a growing concern regarding escalating crime rates across the country. While specific statistics for the year’s end are still being compiled, reports from various regions indicate a disturbing trend of increased violent crime, including murders and robberies. The incident in Kadoma serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals, particularly the elderly, to violent crime.
The police investigation is ongoing, with detectives focusing on gathering evidence from the crime scene and interviewing potential witnesses. The stolen cellphone, if recovered, could prove crucial in identifying the suspect.
