Body found with missing lips

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

IN a gruesome discovery, the lifeless body of Andrew Matete, of Penhalonga, was pulled from the murky waters of Nyanzuda River, his face frozen – minus his lips – which are suspected to have been savagely torn off by ravenous aquatic creatures.

The ghastly find, confirmed by acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, brought an end to a desperate two-day search for Matete, who was last seen alive by his 13-year-old sister as he set out for an evening fishing expedition near Mapopoma Falls.

“On February 21, 2025 at around 6.30pm, Andrew Matete (22) went for fishing in the company of his sister aged 13 years. Along the way, he advised his sister to return home since it was getting dark. Andrew proceeded alone and did not return home.

“He was not reported as a missing person. On February 23, 2025 at around 7.30pm Andrew’s father, Mr Robert Matete (63) received information from local villagers that there was a body floating in the river, suspected to be that of his son. He rushed to the river and positively identified the body of his son. Police in Penhalonga were notified, attended the scene and retrieved the body. Police observed that aquatic animals had eaten Andrew’s upper and lower lips and had bruises on the back. The body was conveyed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem. Investigations are still in progress,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

In an unrelated case, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said a body was found floating in Rusape River by resident who was washing his clothes.

“On January 23, 2025 at Rusape River gauges around 1pm, Fungai Murisa (46), of Vengere was washing his clothes, and discovered a body of an unknown male adult floating in the river. He retrieved the body and made a police report. Police attended scene, inspected the body and observed no visible injuries. The body was conveyed to Rusape General Hospital for post-mortem and investigations are underway,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.