Harare – A Zengeza landlord is currently at large after allegedly leading a group of four men in a fatal assault against his tenant over unpaid rentals. Crispen Marara is wanted by police in connection with the murder of Tendai Nenguwo, who succumbed to his injuries at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on Sunday.
The tragic incident stems from an event in January, when Tendai Nenguwo allegedly collected US$560 from tenants residing at Marara’s parents’ house along Hanga Street in Zengeza 1 and used the money for his personal expenses. This act reportedly enraged Marara, who then allegedly hired four men to confront Tendai.
According to reports, Marara and his accomplices subjected Tendai to a brutal assault, repeatedly striking him with a broomstick and their fists. The assault left Tendai with severe injuries, requiring his admission to Chitungwiza Central Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he tragically passed away on April 13 at the age of 38.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of Marara and his accomplices.
“Police are investigating a murder case in Zengeza,” said Insp Chakanza. “The deceased was reported to have used the money of the accused person. The deceased passed on while admitted at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on April 13.”
The deceased’s sister, Yvette Masango, shared the family’s grief and revealed that Tendai would be buried in Chihota village tomorrow. “We lost a loving brother,” she said. “After the assault, he was always complaining of chest pains.”
Yvette also disclosed that Tendai had been reluctant to report the assault to the police, acknowledging his own fault in the matter. She added that he had been evicted from the house due to unpaid rentals. Tendai is survived by two children, the eldest of whom is in Grade 7.
Adding a layer of complexity to the case is the background of the alleged perpetrator, Crispen Marara. According to his LinkedIn account, Marara is employed as a Public Health Nurse at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and has also served as a Health Promotion Officer for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Medical Section.
Further information from The Law Enforcement And HIV Network (LEAHN) – an international NGO focused on HIV prevention, particularly among law enforcement and public health professionals – identifies Crispen Marara as a Police Inspector in the Zimbabwe Republic Police Medical Services, General Headquarters in Harare. LEAHN notes that Marara has been a member for some years after joining the Zimbabwe Republic Police and describes him as a Public Health Nurse with a passion for addressing HIV issues. He previously worked with the Ministry of Health HIV Care and Treatment from September 2000 before joining the Zimbabwe Republic Police in June 2005.
Crispen joined Zimbabwe Republic Police as a Junior Nurse and has studied several Post Basic Courses including Midwifery, Advanced HIV Management, and Public Health and Community Nursing.
Crispen has worked with various Non Governmental Organisations including Africaid (Zvandiri), Diziro Orphage and the National AIDS Council. He volunteers in the community during his spare time giving health education talks on HIV prevention, harm reduction and helping communities form support groups.
The fact that the suspect in this murder case is a public health professional with a background in law enforcement and community service adds a disturbing dimension to the tragedy.
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