Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu/Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporters
IN what can be described as shocking and record Christmas period, Zimbabwe has recorded 47 murders in just six days from 20-26 December, a regrettable situation that shows the lack of sanctity of the value of human life.
While the police are on record urging the public not to take the law into their own hands, the public has been found wanting as majority of the murders emanate from misunderstandings at night spots and in the home.
Other murders are emanating from community members that intercept thieves and mete out instant justice on them leading to their subsequent deaths in some cases.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force is disturbed over the murders.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the number of murder cases which are recorded throughout the country, 47 cases of murder have been received during the period 20th December 2024 to 26 December 2024. The ZRP has established that the murder cases are emanating from disputes at beer drinking or sporting activities, family and community disputes during gatherings, attacks by unknown suspects while walking at night, the settling of scores during Christmas Day by individuals and groups and fighting over girlfriends among others,” he said.
For the 47 families who lost their loved ones, the festive mood was dampened by the merciless killings that could have been resolved through dialogue, raising the need for warring parties to find a mediator to solve their differences amicably and preserve unnecessary loss of lives.
“In one of the cases which occurred on 25th of December 2024 at around 1900 hours at Machipisa Tuckshops, Mwenezi, Triangle, Mastard Chauke (22) had a misunderstanding with Tongai Moyo who had bumped into him during a beer drinking spree. Chauke threw a stone towards Tongai Moyo which hit Ostern Mangaru (29) on the chest instead. The victim fell on the ground and died on the spot,” Comm Nyathi said.
In another Christmas Day murder, at around 2100 hours Learnmore Mudzengi (36) stabbed Sydney Mudzengi (21) with a Columbian knife once on the chest at Musavezi Business Centre, Shurugwi.
“The suspect allegedly had a misunderstanding with the victim over a token which went missing while playing pool. After committing the offence, the suspect fled from the scene and was later apprehended by the police for the due processes of the law to take its course,” said Comm Nyathi.
He further highlighted another chilling murder over Christmas presents that occurred on the 26th December 2024 at around 01.00 hours and at a house in Kuwadzana 7, in Harare.
“Nihipalakar Muyaya (22) allegedly assaulted his grandmother, Agnes Duri (70) with clenched fists and booted feet for not giving him a present during the Christmas period. The victim was later found lying lifeless in her room with blood coming out of her mouth and ears. The suspect was subsequently arrested,” reported Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, Comm Nyathi said the ZRP is investigating circumstances surrounding the death of Polite Nyauro (23) who was found lifeless at Chipfuvamiti Primary School in Makonde on 26th December 2024.
It is said that the victim had been reported missing after he had gone for a beer drinking binge at Chipfuvamiti Business Centre, Makonde in the company of his two brothers on Christmas Day.
Comm Nyathi urged the public to find peaceful methods of resolving disputes or differences at family and society level without aggression which causes the loss of lives.
“The church, traditional leaders and general community is implored to come on board to ensure the public respects the sanctity of human life. The police will continue to engage communities in order to promote the culture of law-abiding citizens in all facets of life,” he added.
Online Reporter