Wave of Murders in Midlands

By Delicious Mathuthu

Gweru, Zimbabwe - Police have reported a surge in deadly violence across the Midlands Province over the past week, with at least five murders and two attempted murders linked to disputes over money, alcohol and petty arguments, authorities said Tuesday.

The reports come barely a week after a Mega Provincial Crime Awareness Campaign at Crossroads in Silobela where the Midlands Police Commander, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, denounced the continuing crime trends in the province, especially Kwekwe District.

In the latest case, eight suspects were arrested in connection with the brutal murder of an artisanal miner in Shurugwi.

Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the tragedy in a statement, stating how the victim was assaulted and scorched.

“The suspects took turns to assault him using logs, as well as pouring hot water on his body,” Mahoko said.

The victim, Francis Mazarire, was allegedly beaten and scalded after admitting to stealing US$2,800 from a colleague’s cabin on November 1.

The suspects, led by the money’s owner, Tafadzwa Mashove (34) tracked Mazarire to Lalapanzi, assaulted him in Shurugwi and dumped him at a hospital on November 3 around 0300 hours, where he died en route.

Inspector Mahoko condemned the violence, calling for legal resolutions on such issues.

“We once again reiterate the call for aggrieved parties to seek legal remedies when handling their cases,” Mahoko urged.

The arrested men include Mashove; Simbarashe Maroora (42; Clain Mafa, 23); Noah Musemwa (36); Linos Muzanarwo (42); Passmore Hobo (42); Melusi Mataruse (23); and Talent Manjuzu (29) hail from various villages in Shurugwi, Gweru, Mwenezi, Gutu and Gokwe.

Five others remain at large.

Hours earlier in Gweru, Peter Mashate (38) was stabbed in the stomach while intervening in a quarrel over ice blocks at The Barn nightclub around midnight on November 3.

“The now deceased is Peter Mashate… He saw his friend Munashe Magura (22) quarrelling with another man over some ice blocks.

"He tried to separate the two and the other man ran away. The two decided to go home and entered the now deceased's motor vehicle.

"The now deceased became unconcious while seated on the driver's seat," Inspector Mahoko said.

"It is alleged, Munashe thought that it was due to drunkenness, pulled Peter to the passenger's seat and drove to Clifton Park high density surbub where they stay.

"On arrival in Clifton Park, Munashe saw blood stains on his trousers and he did not know where the blood was coming from and that is when he tried to talk to Mashate," he added.

Mashate is said did not respond and was bleeding from the stomach.

Inspector Mahoko called on anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to alert the nearest Police.

“We are appealing for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect behind the murder case,” he said.

Elsewhere, two attempted murders were also reported on November 1.

In Mberengwa, Knowledge Rugara (35), was assaulted with bricks and sharp objects by a man known as Arab Chinyoka and seven accomplices during a nightclub brawl.

“Suspects disappeared into the darkness leaving [the] complainant unconscious in a pool of blood,” Inspector Mahoko said.

In Silobela’s Python Business Centre, Stephen Mavhiya struck one Somandla Ndlovu, (36) on the head with a machete over an unknown dispute.

Ndlovu remains in serious condition at Silobela District Hospital.

Suspects in both cases are on the run and Police are calling for public assistance with information that may lead to their arrest.

Separately, Lifa Matare, (22) was arrested for stabbing Joseph Dube, (19) multiple times with a homemade knife at Makende Business Centre in Silobela again on November 1 around 2030 hours.

“In the heat of the argument, Lifa withdrew a homemade knife from his waistband and stabbed Joseph Dube several times all over the body,” Mahoko recounted.

The attack stemmed from an argument over a borrowed torch during a drinking session.

Dube died on the way to hospital.

Inspector Mahoko said third parties should be engaged to resolve such disputes to avoid loss of life.

“Once again the police are appealing to members of the public to solve their disputes or differences amicably by engaging third parties,” he said.

In Chirumhanzu, Rifias Mandiko (34) was detained for axe-murdering villager Chamunorwa Madzimure (35) at Bhiri Business Centre on October 29 around 2300 hours.

Mahoko said the suspect, Mandiko, of Chakawa Village under Chief Hama, Chirumhanzu, went to Bhiri Business Centre, purportedly to buy beer from a tuckshop.

He was carrying an axe and upon arrival he found the now deceased talking to the female tuckshop attendant.

"He asked what the two were doing at that time of the night and an altercation arose," Inspector Mahoko said.

The shop attendant is said rushed to inform the Village head who stays nearby.

"On return in the company of the village head, Munyaradzi Zishiri they found Chamunorwa Madzimure lying dead," Mahoko said.

Investigations continue in all cases.