Chief’ s Messenger Among Three Murders in Midlands Within Three Days
n …Police Arrest Two, One Still at Large n nn n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Gokwe/Zhombe - The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed three separate murder cases that occurred in the Midlands Province between June 21 and June 24, 20
anostrofy …Police Arrest Two, One Still at Large
By Delicious Mathuthu
Gokwe/Zhombe - The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed three separate murder cases that occurred in the Midlands Province between June 21 and June 24, 2025.
The incidents, reported in Gokwe North, Zhombe and Gokwe South, left three men dead and prompted fresh appeals from law enforcement for the public to seek peaceful means of resolving disputes.
The first incident took place on 21 June 2025 at Madhamu Business Centre, under Chief Simuchembo in Gokwe North.
In a statement, Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, says Jetro Siyamusandana (21) and Tinos Machaya were drinking beer together when Siyamusandana accused Machaya of stealing his wallet, which allegedly contained USD $60.
Resultantly, the two got into a fight.
"A misunderstanding arose between the two resulting in Siyamusandana stabbing Machaya all over the body,” Inspector Mahoko said.
Machaya returned to his homestead but failed to access medical treatment due to financial constraints.
He died the following day, 22 June, at around 2100 hours.
Siyamusandana is currently on the run and police are appealing to anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest station.
The second incident occurred the next day, on 23 June 2025 at around 2300 hours, at Village Sikweya under Chief Gwesela in Zhombe.
One Stanford Kembo (59) of Nkosana Village under Chief Malisa, had been drinking at China City Tuckshops in the company of his younger brother, Success Kembo (20) and other patrons.
A fight reportedly broke out between Success and one Tellmore Magodho (37), a fellow villager.
Success alerted his older brother and other relatives who then ganged up and followed Magodho to his home.
Upon their arrival and sensing danger, Magodho took an axe handle and attacked one of them, Kembo.
“On seeing them, Magodho is alleged to have armed himself with a wooden axe handle and struck Stanford Kembo on the head and left leg.
“Kembo fell down and died on the spot,” said Inspector Mahoko.
Magodho has since been arrested and police say investigations are underway to enable prosecution.
The third murder happened on 24 June 2025 at approximately 1130 hours at Village Munukwa under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South.
Moses Moyo, a Chief’s Messenger, had gone to serve a summons to one Brighton Maketo (37) for him to appear at Headman Ndlalambi’s Court.
Upon arrival and conveying the message, a misunderstanding arose between the two, resulting in a fistfight, Inspector Mahoko said.
During the fight, Maketo armed himself and assaulted Moyo to death.
“Maketo allegedly used a stool and an axe to assault Moyo on the head and leg.
"Moyo succumbed to the injuries at the suspect’s homestead,” said Inspector Mahoko.
Maketo has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon, police say.
Police have reiterated calls for community members to resolve disputes lawfully and to respect the authority of those who serve the justice system.
“We are appealing to members of the public to respect law enforcement agents from all levels. Use of violence leads to unnecessary loss of life," Inspector Mahoko said.
