Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Dangamvura last weekend following the alleged murder of local entertainer, Herbert Gopito (35), also known as Hanzu, after an altercation at Boka Shopping Centre last Thursday afternoon.
The incident, classified by police as murder under Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, (Chapter 9:23) stemmed from a misunderstanding between Gopito and his alleged assassin, Tinashe Dengura (37).
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed Dengura’s arrest.
He also urged the public to exercise restraint when resolving disputes.
“We confirm the arrest of a suspect in connection with a murder case that occurred at Boka Shopping Centre, Dangamvura, on October 16, 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased sustained fatal head injuries after being assaulted following a misunderstanding,” he said.
The fight broke out at around 3pm when Dengura allegedly approached a group of patrons sitting near Boka Complex, and shouted at them without any provocation.
Gopito, who was among the group, reportedly stood up to leave.
In doing so, he accidentally stepped on Dengura’s foot – a move that allegedly triggered the violent confrontation between the two.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Gopito’s body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka strongly condemned acts of violence in settling disputes in the community.
“We urge people to resolve their differences amicably and avoid resorting to violence. Such actions only lead to unnecessary loss of life as what happened in this case. Communities should value dialogue and tolerance as the best way of resolving conflicts,” he said.
Witnesses told The Manica Post that Dengura allegedly slapped Gopito several times before punching him once on the jaw.
The blow sent Gopito tumbling backwards, resulting in his head striking the concrete edge of a nearby drainage channel.
He lost consciousness and was rushed to Dangamvura Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Residents of Dangamvura expressed shock at Gopito’s death, describing him as a gentle and cheerful man known for his unique talent of whistling.
“He was not a violent person at all,” said a witness, who asked not to be named. “Earlier in the day, he was entertaining everyone at the shops with his whistling. He could imitate any song, especially sungura tunes with the whistle. People loved him for it. It is heart-breaking that he died in this cruel manner.”
Another resident echoed similar sentiments, saying Gopito’s cheerful nature had made him a local favourite among patrons at the shopping centre.
“Gopito had this way of bringing people together. Even when people were drinking, he would lighten the mood with his music,” said another witness who also requested anonymity.
“No one could have imagined that hours later we would be talking about his death.”
As Dangamvura residents come to terms with the loss, many vowed to remember Gopito, not for his tragic death, but for the joy he brought through his music and whistle.
“He had a gift,” said one resident quietly, staring at the spot where the fight took place.
“Whenever he was around, we knew we would laugh, dance, or at least smile. Now that whistle will never sound again.”
Scenes at Boka Shopping Centre turned emotional last Saturday afternoon as scores of residents gathered to celebrate Gopito’s life.
Crowds filled the area, singing and dancing in his honour.
Traffic was briefly diverted as mourners took to the streets, their voices rising in unison along the tarred road that Gopito once walked with his whistle.
When the hearse carrying his body arrived, the atmosphere erupted. Songs grew louder, feet pounded the ground, and tears mingled with dance as friends and neighbours celebrated the man who had brought them so much joy.
Gopito was laid to rest last Sunday at Dangamvura Cemetery, his send-off marked by music, emotion, and deep affection from a community that will not soon forget him.
This is not the first time a similar incident has occurred at the same complex. On November 22, 2022, Ashly Mbengani (22), popularly known as Gaka, was beaten to death after being accused of allegedly stealing a cellphone.
According to police, Mbengani was handcuffed and taken to the back of the club, where he was assaulted by Chineuriri and another individual using open hands, an iron bar, and a wooden log.
He was found dead the following day at the back of Dhunza Night Club.
In July this year, an unidentified man was found dead, lying face-up under a footbridge in Area 3 of Dangamvura, which is less than a kilometre from Boka Shopping Centre.
