Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed grave concern over the rising cases of murder over petty disagreements around the country, following a disturbing spate of killings reported between August 3 and 5 this year in the Midlands Province.
Despite deterrent sentences handed down by the Special High Court circuit in Gweru and Gokwe, violent crime continues to claim lives, often during beer-drinking sprees that spiral out of control.
Police confirmed receiving three separate murder reports in Mvuma, Gweru, and Mberengwa, each stemming from minor altercations that escalated into fatal violence.
In the most recent case, a 42-year-old man, Week Mudenda of Central Estates, Mvuma, died at Mvuma District Hospital on August 5 after being severely assaulted by two brothers at Chibhon’ashuro Business Centre.
The suspects, Joseph (35) and Tawanda Daniel Kunyai (36) of Mavhimira Village, Chief Nerutanga, Buhera, allegedly took turns beating Mudenda with a walking stick, fists and booted feet following a dispute during a beer-drinking session.
Police confirmed the brothers were arrested and are currently in custody.
Another 42-year-old man, Richard Mwedzi of Mwedzi Village, Chief Neshuro, Mwenezi, succumbed to injuries sustained during a brawl over a missing cellphone.
On the night of August 3, Mwedzi was reportedly accused of theft by fellow imbiber Nelson Mathuthu (22), who then assaulted him with a snooker stick.
Mwedzi died while being transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
Mathuthu has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court.
Meanwhile, in Gweru, police discovered the body of 22-year-old Genius Zvarebwanashe of Woodlands Suburb during a routine patrol along Lower Gweru Road in the early hours of August 5.
Circumstances leading to his death remain unclear and authorities are appealing to the public for information that could aid in investigations.
In light of these incidents, police have reiterated their call for the public to seek a peaceful resolution of conflicts and avoid the use of violence.
“Once again, Police are calling upon members of the public to solve disputes amicably and avoid the use of violence,” said Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
