Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Features Writer
A QUIET farming community in Lions’ Den in Mashonaland West Province has been left reeling in shock following a gruesome double murder recently, exposing a disturbing mix of betrayal, calculated violence and deep-seated beliefs in avenging spirits.
The brutal killing of Mr Norbert Tayero and his wife, Petronella, at their farm in the Sangwe area has not only shaken residents, but also revealed chilling details about the suspected killer’s movements after the crime.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, confirmed the incident, but said investigations were still ongoing and more details could not yet be released.
The accused, a relatively new worker at the farm, allegedly meticulously planned the attack. He is said to have lured a fellow employee away from the homestead before returning under the cover of darkness to carry out the murders.
According to accounts from the scene, the suspect, who has been identified as Farai Chatikobo (40), bought beer for another worker, Jairos Dani, at a local bar, effectively removing him from the premises.
“I was with him at the bar, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He bought me a beer and we chatted as usual,” said Dani.
“I later went back home and slept, thinking the old couple had travelled because their car was not there.”
Dani said he only realised something was wrong when people later forced entry into the house.
“I had no idea they were lying dead inside. It is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life,” he added.
What followed the killings has stunned the community. The suspect allegedly stole the couple’s cattle, vehicle and other belongings.
In what appears to have been driven by fear of spiritual retribution, the suspect reportedly went to a traditional healer based in Shackleton, Jonasi Tshuma, seeking protection from what he believed were avenging spirits of the couple he had just killed.
Tshuma recounted the chilling encounter.
“He came to me late at night and initially claimed he wanted help for his brother in Mazowe, whom he said had killed someone,” said Tshuma.
“He was seeking cleansing rituals to protect against ngozi, but his story kept changing. He later admitted that he was the one who needed cleansing, saying he had killed Mrs Tayero.”
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Tshuma said he pretended to assist while buying time.
“I realised this was a serious matter, so I played along while I alerted the authorities through the local councillor,” he said.
Tshuma then instructed the suspect to return around 5am to collect another concoction, creating an opportunity to alert authorities. He contacted local councillor, Innocent Mangwanya, setting in motion efforts to intercept the suspect before he could disappear.
Clr Mangwanya confirmed receiving the distress call and his efforts to help apprehend the accused.
“I was alerted by the traditional healer that the suspect had confessed to committing murder and was seeking protection,” said Clr Mangwanya.
“I immediately contacted the police so we could act quickly before he escaped.”
However, efforts to apprehend the suspect proved unsuccessful.
“We worked with the police and mounted a roadblock, but unfortunately, he managed to evade capture. Time was not on our side, but we did everything possible to try and stop him.”
With time running out, Clr Mangwanya and Tshuma proceeded to the Tayero homestead, where they found Dani asleep, still unaware that his employers had been killed just a few metres away.
“We found the worker sleeping, not knowing what had happened,” added Mangwanya.
“We had to force entry into the house, and that is when we discovered the bodies.”
The elderly couple lay in pools of blood, their home bearing the violent marks of a calculated and merciless attack.
The suspect is believed to have fled with the couple’s vehicle, a Nissan Note, livestock and household property, suggesting robbery may have been part of the motive.
However, the brutality of the killings has left many questioning whether more sinister factors were at play.
As news spread, thousands of villagers from surrounding areas gathered at the farm, their grief mixed with anger and disbelief.
The killings had not only robbed a family of their loved ones, but had also shattered the sense of security within the rural community, where trust between employers and workers is often taken for granted.
At a funeral mass marked by deep sorrow, members of the church and community described the Tayeros as devoted Christians whose lives were defined by generosity, humility and service to others.
The gruesome murder has left a void that many say will be difficult to fill.
The incident has also reignited debate around farm safety and the vulnerability of elderly farmers living in isolated areas, as well as the risks associated with employing individuals whose backgrounds may not be fully known.
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the suspect and are appealing for information that could lead to his arrest.
