Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Angry Norton residents on Thursday gathered at the scene of a recent double murder, demanding immediate justice.
Reports claiming the arrests of the suspects had spread rapidly, prompting residents to converge at the scene, armed with stones, used tyres and machetes.
However, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi quickly dismissed the rumours.
“The police are concerned about the false information circulating on social media regarding the arrest of suspects in the Norton murder case. We categorically deny any such arrests,” he stated.
A Zimpapers team observed scores of people milling around the crime scene in Katanga.
An employee from a nearby company said businesses were forced to close due to the escalating tension.
“People are furious about the brutal murders that occurred within 48 hours. They heard from sources that the suspects had been arrested and came in large numbers ready to take matters into their own hands,” said the worker.
The bodies of the victims, Patrice Tinashe Chipaumire (40) and Shadreck Jack Gideon (29) were discovered severely mutilated.
Chipaumire’s body was found with a deep cut on his throat and flesh removed from his cheek and private parts.
Gideon was found dead near a church and an Early Learning Centre, suggesting he was killed elsewhere and dumped there.
A local councillor attempted to disperse the crowd but was met with resistance.
A family spokesperson, Ruth Raphael, said Gideon will be buried in Norton on Saturday.
“Shadreck was self-employed and is survived by a seven-year-old daughter. If all goes according to plan, we expect to conduct his burial this Saturday,” she said.
