Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
SEVERAL people alleged to have participated in the brutal murder of a Domborutinhira man and the harvesting of his body parts for ritual purposes were last Saturday taken into police custody following dramatic proceedings at Chief Mutasa’s community court.
The suspects were implicated during a hearing in which a woman, claiming to be manifesting the spirit of the late Luckmore Dziire, made sensational allegations about the circumstances surrounding his death in October 2024.
Luckmore, who was mentally challenged, was found dead with multiple stab wounds, while some of his body parts were allegedly missing. Among the body parts said to have been removed were his heart, private parts, toes, toenails and blood.
One of the people named during the proceedings, Tendai Alfonso, is already serving a prison sentence after being convicted by the Mutare High Court for Luckmore’s murder.
The matter was brought before Chief Mutasa by the deceased’s brother, Dzidzai Dziire, who said the family was still seeking answers despite Alfonso’s conviction.
“On October 2, 2024, my young brother, Luckmore, was murdered in Domborutinhira. I received a report that he was drunk and lying on the verandah of a bottle store. However, when I arrived at the scene, I found that he had been brutally attacked. He had cuts all over his body and there was blood everywhere. The matter was reported to the police,” said Dziire.
He said fresh questions about the murder emerged in February this year after the death of his child, Tavonga, in a drowning incident.
“On the same day that my child died, someone began manifesting my brother’s spirit. Since then, the person has repeatedly mentioned names of individuals allegedly involved in my brother’s death,” he said.
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when a young woman, dressed in male attire and claiming to be possessed by Luckmore’s spirit, narrated what she alleged were the events leading to the deceased’s death.
According to the manifestation, Luckmore had visited a local shop where he was given sadza and meat before allegedly being served a soft drink and beer that had been laced with an unknown substance.
The woman, speaking as the deceased, claimed that after becoming drowsy, Luckmore returned to the shop and fell asleep on a bench.
“Later that night, several people surrounded me. Tendai Alfonso stabbed me in the neck and chest before others joined in mutilating my body,” the purported spirit said.
The manifestation further alleged that Luckmore’s blood was drained and several body parts, including his heart, toenails, toes and private parts, were removed and used in ritual practices.
The woman also claimed that after the killing, Luckmore’s body was dumped on the verandah at the shopping centre where it was later discovered.
During the proceedings, several individuals were named as having allegedly participated in the murder and the harvesting of body parts. Those named included Margaret Marume, Jeremiah Mupunga, Kenny Chirumhanzu, Nyasha Mudeme, Tendai Alfonso, Joseph Alfonso, as well as two men identified only as Christopher and Mangandaire.
Some witnesses told the court that they had seen a trail of blood leading towards the shop where part of the alleged attack was said to have taken place.
Margaret Marume admitted that Luckmore had been at the shop on the day he died, but denied any knowledge of the alleged murder.
“We had prepared sadza for customers at the shop where I work. Luckmore came and asked Joseph, who was eating at the time, for some food. He was given food, ate and left,” she said.
Marume said she only learnt of the death later.
“I received a call informing me that someone had been found dead on the verandah. I told the caller that I did not want to receive such calls at night,” she said.
Another accused person, identified only as Shupikai, denied allegations that he gave Luckmore beer on the night in question.
Jenny Dziire said the family remained dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding the case despite Alfonso’s conviction.
“Alfonso told the court during his trial that he had not acted alone. We want the full truth about what happened to our brother and whether other people were involved,” she said.
The family also raised concerns over allegations that money had allegedly changed hands in efforts to secure Alfonso’s release from prison, claims they said required thorough investigation by the police.
“We suspect there may have been interference and we want all these allegations to be properly investigated,” said Jenny.
After hearing the matter, Chief Mutasa referred the allegations to the police for further investigations.
Police officers who attended the proceedings subsequently took the implicated individuals into custody for questioning as investigations continue.
