Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Grief and shock enveloped Ona Farm in Guruve as scores of mourners gathered yesterday to bid farewell to five members of the Zvitsva family that were brutally murdered on Sunday night.
The victims of the horrific incident were Grace Zvitsva (66), her son Tendai Zvitsva (40), Loice Chiringaushe (37), and Loice’s two young children, Takudzwa Kariva (5) and Tatenda Chirenje (2).
Although the bodies were taken to Ona Farm on Wednesday evening, the five were laid to rest at different sites in accordance with family arrangements.
Grace and Tendai were buried at their rural homestead, Loice and Tatenda were laid to rest at Chikwidibe Village in Guruve, while Takudzwa was interred in Murehwa.
On the fateful day, Tendai, a divorced father of three was diverted from going to his homestead by Loice because he was drunk.
The brutal killings were carried out by the family relative, a nephew, Anymore Zvitsva, who is said to have harboured deep-seated grudges against some of the victims following previous disputes.
Family spokesperson Mr Never Gwaze said threats on the family started during what was meant to be a peaceful traditional ceremony.
Grace had travelled to her rural home in Vheremu Village to perform a Shona cultural ritual known as “kuendesa mombe yeumai”, the payment of a beast to one’s mother.
“It was around midnight when Anymore and a group of people descended on the homestead in Vheremu village,” said Gwaze.
“They tied all the doors from outside using wire. My young brother, Marvelous Kwaipa, tried to force his way out and was struck with an axe on the hand.”
He said desperate calls for help went unanswered.
“We called out to Grace, but her door had also been tied from the outside. We fled to the village head seeking refuge, but even he was too frightened to come outside.”
According to the family, tensions had been simmering for some time.
Gwaze said Anymore was once identified by Grace during a citizen’s arrest at Nyatsanza mountain, an incident that deeply angered him.
“He also blamed Grace for having him exposed after he was caught stealing maize. From that day, he vowed to revenge,” Gwaze said.
Adding to the family’s fears, Anymore’s father, Fresha Zvitsva, was a known cattle rustler and murder convict who later died in prison.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, visited the bereaved family and described the killings as heartbreaking and deeply troubling.
“We could not remain in our offices while our people mourn. We closed offices so that we mourn together,” said Minister Magomo.
“This is my rural home. I share your fear. These wanton attacks have left us all uncertain about our safety.”
The minister said peace would only return once the suspect is apprehended, adding that he had requested the re-arrest of suspects who were earlier released.
Seven suspects, including Anymore Zvitsva, were reportedly arrested by members of the community at Nyatsanza Mountain but were later released by police in Guruve, a development that has angered residents.
“If a shoddy job was done, the law will take its course,” said Magomo.
“This is not only a loss to the Zvitsva family, but to the entire nation. President Mnangagwa has sent his condolences.”
Guruve South Member of Parliament, Cde Tendai Pinduka, said violent crimes in the area had escalated from isolated incidents to a disturbing pattern.
“This is giving us sleepless nights. We are appealing for stronger cooperation between communities and the police,” he said.
“There is no smoke without fire.”
Ward 21 Councillor, Jotham Nyikadzino, said the community was deeply angered by the release of suspects.
“I have never witnessed such brutality. If the suspects had no case to answer, the police should have explained to the community.”
Chief Chipuriro said the incident has left his people traumatised.
“I am 82 years old and have never seen such a tragedy,” he said.
