Online Reporter
Masimba Mavaza-Herald Correspondent
AS sanity slowly returns to Guruve, people are seen standing in corners asking what had happened.
Some could not believe that they have lived all their lives with a serial killer in their midst. Some claim to have noticed the taletale signs and others had strange stories to tell.
John Magumbe (not his real name) had a story to tell.
The serial killer Anymore Modho Zvitsa was being driven by the powers of the darkness.
He explained an unverified story that Zvitsa’s grandmother was instrumental in the arrest of her grandson.
The story was that from the day Anymore was born, grandmother was informed by the spirits that she will never wear panties.
The day she will put on her panties then Anymore will be bound and arrested.
When the soldiers who were in the search party were informed of this, they went to the grandmother and forced her to put on panties.
More stranger than fiction, the day she put on her panties, Anymore was arrested. His freedom came to an abrupt end.
Can it be said that the serial killers are insane or suffer from some mental illness? Serial killers aren’t “normal” in the classical sense, but they’re not necessarily “crazy” either. Many serial killers have underlying mental health issues, such as Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) or lack of empathy, impulsivity, and disregard for others’ rights. Some are just
Psychopathy. Similar to ASPD, with added traits like manipulativeness and superficial charm. Some exhibit narcissistic personality disorder, need for admiration, and lack empathy. This is a form of a superiority complex.
Mostly serial killers have a history of trauma and abuse. History of childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect can contribute to violent behaviour.
Some will start at an early age to have a liking for ending life. They can start with killing cockroaches for joy. They grow in love with blood. Some will grow exhibiting serious cruelty. They are known of even plucking the eyes of animals off just for fun.
In my village, we had a brother who would tie the dog’s mouth with a wire for eating eggs. He graduated to killing animals as big as bulls. When the war started, he became the killer of those he labelled as traitors. He then became mentally ill after the war.
Most of those who become serial killers use manipulation or coercion to control others. This gives them the mentality of grandiose behaviour and believe they are superior or entitled to special treatment
However, it must be pointed out that not everyone with these traits becomes a serial killer, and many people with mental health issues aren’t violent. Factors like environment, upbringing and brain chemistry can contribute to violent behaviour.
There are a few notable serial killers in Zimbabwe, from different walks of life like Richard McGown, also known as “Dr Death“, to Anymore Zvitsva, the Guruve serial killer.
McGown, a Scottish-Zimbabwean anaesthetist, was convicted of murdering several children and suspected of killing at least three others between 1986 and 1992. He injected patients with morphine, leading to their deaths. He would, with a smile on his face, tell a parent to receive their child whom he has put to eternal rest. Very cold and never concerned.
McGown was sentenced to only a year in prison and later banned from practicing medicine worldwide. It has always been argued that the race factor worked in his favour as he was spared from long term imprisonment
From the corridors of Avenue’s Clinic to the valleys of Guruve comes Anymore Zvitsva, who was arrested this month for killing over 19 people, including women and children, over a 10-month period. He confessed to the crimes, stating he acted alone.
Zvitsva’s methods were brutal, involving strangulation with wire, rape and murder. He’s currently receiving medical treatment and is set to face trial.
He shocked the doctors by refusing water and demanded a glass of blood. He begged them to give him even the blood of chicken as long as it was blood.
Another notable case was of Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu (the Cannibal of Harare), who killed and cannibalised homeless people in Harare and Bulawayo between 2020 and 2023. He was linked to at least 15 murder cases.
Another notorious serial killer was named “the Axe Killer”, who was born Sampson Kanderayi. He terrorised Zimbabwe in the early 1980s. He was known for targeting unsuspecting individuals in isolated areas, using an axe as his weapon of choice.
Kanderayi’s killing spree left many fearful of walking alone at night, and his methods were brutal. He is believed to have killed over 30 people, mainly in Chitungwiza.
Kanderayi’s case is notable for several reasons. He had previously been granted bail for an earlier murder accusation, which critics argue allowed him to continue his killing spree. After his arrest, he led police to locations where more bodies were found, suggesting his victim count may have been higher than initially thought.
Interestingly, Kanderayi’s trial was delayed due to psychiatric evaluations, which revealed he had mental health issues. He eventually took his own life while in custody to evade trial.
Would an insane person try to actively avoid facing justice? Let’s talk about Bright Zhantali, the serial killer arrested in Marondera. He was accused of raping and killing 23 women, with some of the victims being sex workers. Zhantali’s methods were brutal – he would lure women to isolated areas, rape them, and then kill them, often using an axe.
Interestingly, Zhantali was declared mentally unfit to stand trial and was committed to a psychiatric institution.
Most of these serial murderers kill as a ritual. If they stop killing, they will either die or that’s when they are caught.
Juju, a form of traditional African magic or spiritual practice, is linked to serial killers in Zimbabwe. While there’s no conclusive evidence, some possible connections include ritualistic behaviour.
Some serial killers may incorporate juju rituals into their crimes, believing it grants them power or protection.
