HURUNGWE – A quiet village near Kabiza Shopping Centre, just three kilometres away, has been plunged into mourning and disbelief after a brutal triple murder that has left residents reeling. The ghastly crime, triggered by a domestic dispute, saw a man identified as Trymore Tore, 37, allegedly murder his wife, niece, and the village head in a shocking display of violence.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed the arrest of Tore in connection with the heinous crimes. National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, issued a statement detailing the grim discoveries made by villagers on February 17th at Mubairecheni Village, Chundu, Hurungwe.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Trymore Tore, 37, in connection with three cases of murder in which three victims were found dead on February, 17 at Mubairecheni Village, Chundu, Hurungwe,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
The details of the murders are particularly gruesome. Tore’s wife, 21-year-old Moline Chibayanzara, was found dead in a pit latrine, her body wrapped in a blue blanket and bearing multiple head injuries. The body of his 17-year-old niece was discovered approximately 60 metres from Tore’s homestead, concealed beneath tree branches. She had suffered a swollen head and a cut on her forehead, with a knife recovered nearby.
Commissioner Nyathi revealed that preliminary investigations suggest a history of domestic disputes between Tore and his wife. “The suspect and his wife were allegedly heard by villagers quarrelling at their homestead on February 15,” he said. The village head, Kuwesu Musawu, was last seen heading to Tore’s homestead in an attempt to mediate the dispute, while Tore’s niece was also last seen visiting the property. Tragically, none of them were seen alive again.
A villager from Mubairacheni, speaking on condition of anonymity, painted a picture of a community shattered by the senseless violence. “Trymore, in a moment of madness, murdered his wife, niece, and the village head before dumping their bodies in three different locations,” the villager said. The source further revealed that Tore had allegedly taken a second wife, a move that sparked conflict with his first wife, Moline.
“Trymore is alleged to have married a second wife, which led to his wife going back to her parents’ homestead. However, Trymore followed his wife and managed to persuade her to come back home and she agreed. The second wife, realising that Trymore had brought back his first wife, then went back to her parents,” the villager explained.
The scene of the crime was described as horrific. “It’s very saddening and I am at a loss of words. There was a trail of blood everywhere. This is outrageous,” the villager lamented.
Other villagers echoed the sentiment of shock and disbelief. One described finding Moline’s body in the pit latrine, covered with leaves. “This is callous and an abomination on our land. I have never witnessed such gruesome murders,” another villager exclaimed. Another described the scene where the niece’s body was found: “The juvenile’s body was covered with three branches and there were blood stains on the ground.”
The loss of the village head, Kuwesu Masawu, has been particularly devastating for the community. “It’s very unfortunate that we lost our headman who went there to mediate,” one villager said. “Tore and his wife had an altercation about a day or so before the incident but we never thought the altercation was going to end in this way. A dog was found dragging a skull and it was found out that it was Masawu’s head.”
While the Hurungwe community grapples with this tragedy, police in Masvingo have also made an arrest in connection with another murder case. Joseph Dimiti, 38, is accused of fatally attacking his friend, Richard Takawira, 35, with a hoe after accusing him of making advances towards his wife. The incident occurred at Machakata Village, Soti-Source, Gutu. Takawira died upon admission to a local hospital.
In yet another case of domestic violence turning deadly, police have arrested Prisca Takaza, 29, in Borrowdale for allegedly stabbing her husband, Liberty Karikoga, 40, to death following a domestic dispute.
Commissioner Nyathi has urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and to respect the sanctity of life. “Members of the public are urged to respect the sanctity of life and resolve disputes amicably without resorting to violence,” he said. He further advised that couples should seek counselling from traditional leaders, the church, or community elders.
