Kwekwe Midnight Fatal Stabbing, Police Make Arrest Within 6hrs

Kwekwe, Zimbabwe - Police have apprehended a 31-year-old man in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, February 18, near a Newtown Roman Catholic Church in Kwekwe.

The suspect, identified as Liberman "Likwa" Ncube, was arrested less than six hours after the body of the victim was discovered near the church.

Police recovered a blood-stained Okapi knife, which has been entered into evidence as the suspected murder weapon.

The victim has been identified as Future Makupe, popularly known as "Chikule", a resident of the Chitekete area in Gokwe.

Preliminary investigations suggest the killing followed a heated dispute regarding an alleged theft of clothing items.

Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, detailed the swift progression from the discovery of the scene to the suspect's arrest.

"Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of murder where a man died after he was stabbed with an Okapi knife on 18 February 2026 at about 0030 hours and the suspect was arrested within 24 hours thereafter," he said.

"Allegations are that at around 0030 hours, a passerby discovered a dead body which was lying in a pool of blood and informed the police.

"Preliminary investigations by the police picked the identity of the suspect alleged to have stabbed the victim after the two had had an altercation over theft of some clothes," Inspector Mahoko said.

"Follow-ups were made leading to the arrest of the suspect, the same day at about 0600 hours. A blood-stained Okapi knife was recovered from the suspect and recorded as an exhibit," he said.

Inspector Mahoko also warned members of the public against violence during disputes and called for assistance in detailing what exactly transpired.

"Once again, we call upon members of the public to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner.

"Also may anyone with information related to the murder incident get in touch with ZRP in Kwekwe," Inspector Mahoko said.