Police in Zimbabwe concerned over murders triggered by petty disputes

Zimbabwe is seemingly recording a surge in murder cases with the reporting that it is seized with at least six cases that happened simultaneously across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it was concerned with the frequent murder cases arising in the country and happening due to petty disputes.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the continued loss of lives due to petty disputes especially at beer outlets and other places where the public has access. This includes at family level and work stations.

“On 23rd February 2023, Police in Zvishavane arrested Obert Vengesa Nyoni in connection with a case of murder in which Benny Mukuta died on 21st February 2023 after being assaulted with fists and booted feet following an argument during a beer drinking spree at a bottle store at Vengesa Business Centre, Masunda.

“The suspect and his friends had taken the victim’s beer without his consent. The other suspect Simbarashe Nyevhe was arrested on 24th February 2023,” read the statement by ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“Similarly, Police in Kadoma arrested a mine owner, Simbayi Zhakata (67) in connection with a case of murder where Steven Matondo (21) was shot dead with a Mossberg rifle on 24th February 2023 at Zurich 112 Mine, Arda Doreens Farm, Battlefields.

“The victim and his friends had allegedly made noise by banging the doors of several houses at the compound and this did not go well with the suspect.”

In another case, the police said, in Mazowe, they are investigating a murder case where Webster Ndlovu died after being stabbed indiscriminately all over the body by the suspect, only identified as Tatenda alias Random, following an argument over an undisclosed issue on 24th February 2023 at White City Mine, Chigumira Farm.

“On 24th February 2023, Police in Harare arrested Peter Sani (39) in connection with a case of murder in which Ernest Kavhiya (47) succumbed to injuries sustained during a fist fight after an argument during a beer drinking binge on 28th January 2023 at a bar at Glenview 1 Shopping Centre.

“In another case, on 25th February 2023, Police in Harare arrested Obey Francis Tiyago (33) in connection with a case of murder in which Munyaradzi Kambudzi (22) died on 25th February 2023 whilst admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after being struck with a snooker stick on 21st February 2023 during a beer drinking spree at a nightclub in Hatcliffe.”

ZRP Dzivarasekwa also recorded a murder case where Moses Kalungu (49) died upon admission at a local hospital after allegedly being assaulted by the suspect only identified as Chamu. The victim was reportedly found with head injuries while lying along Gora Street, Dzivarasekwa 3.

“Meanwhile, Police in Mt Darwin arrested Edson Chandoza (39) in connection with cases of murder and attempted murder which occurred on 26th February 2023 at Tsayi Village, Dotito. The suspect and his brother Aleck Chandoza (40), who is at large, allegedly attacked their mother, Midrone Manuwere (84) and sister, Tawanda Chandoza (36) with a wooden log after accusing their mother of witchcraft. Midrone Manuwere (84) succumbed to the injuries sustained during the attack..

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that the public must exercise self restraint when faced with disputes or disagreements with friends, relatives or any member of the society. Communities are implored to find peaceful ways of resolving differences or disputes without resorting to violence,” read the statement.