Justice Chivhayo Gives Life Sentences for Beitbridge, Mberengwa Murders
The Bulawayo High Court Justice, Naison Chivhayo has handed down heavy sentences in two separate murder cases, reflecting Zimbabwe’s judiciary’s firm stance against violent crime.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Bulawayo - Bulawayo High Court Justice, Naison Chivhayo has given three convicted killers heavy prison sentences for two separate murder cases as the judiciary continues to take a tough stance against violent crime.
In the first incident Quinton Sibanda (18) and Kamuelo Moyo (20), both of Dombolidenje Village under Chief Sitaudze in Beitbridge, were sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murder.
The pair was arrested on May 9, 2025, following the brutal attack and killing of a woman who was on her way to a church service.
The court heard that the two men conspired and ambushed the victim, robbed her of a cellphone and took turns raping her.
In an attempt to conceal the crime, they strangled her and repeatedly stabbed her with an Okapi knife, causing fatal injuries.
The attackers then dragged the body approximately 15 metres from a footpath and hid it before fleeing.
The matter was prosecuted by Ellen Kanengoni on behalf of the State.
Justice Chivhayo convicted the duo and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
In a separate case, Method Zhou (29) from Mberengwa under Chief Mudavanhu, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his wife following a domestic dispute linked to infidelity allegations.
Prosecuting, State lawyer Caroline Mabhena told the court that the murder, which occured in December 2024, remained undiscovered until January 18, 2025, when a concerned relative visited the victim after repeated failed attempts to contact her.
A missing person report was subsequently filed, triggering investigations that led to Zhou's arrest on January 25, 2025.
Police said Zhou later admitted to killing his wife and led detectives to a bushy area along the Mjeni River where her remains were recovered.
Following the trial, Justice Chivhayo convicted Zhou and imposed a life sentence.
Commenting on the case, Criminal Investigation Department spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri, said the conviction reflected the commitment of law enforcement and the courts in dealing with violent crime.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to applaud the courts for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime and in ensuring that justice prevails,” said Muteweri.
She urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, warning that such offences would continue to attract severe penalties.
