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Crime Reporter
Police have launched investigations into the murder case in which a 44-year-old Beatrice farmer was shot and killed early last Thursday morning by two armed robbers who raided their farm house.
No arrests have been made so far.
Rene Mitchell who was armed with a Bruno 22 rifle went out of her house to investigate after hearing some noise and she was shot once on the back and died on the spot.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“The ZRP is conducting investigations into a case of murder in which two unknown armed robbers killed Rene Mitchell aged 44 on December 30, 2021 at Mantlavina Farm, Beatrice. The two suspects who were armed with two unknown pistols pounced on the victim’s house at around 0200 hours.
“The victim, who was armed with a Bruno 22 rifle, went out of her house to investigate and was shot on her back and died on the spot. Anyone with information to contact any nearest police station,” he said.
The incident comes after six suspected armed robbers have also appeared in court for allegedly shooting and killing a 10-month old toddler Moreblessing Haruzivi in Macheke, and seriously injured her mother Dephine Makokola.
Panganai Machipisa, Piason Machipisa, Paradzai Brian Machipisa, Trust Sakavenga, Clemence Muterengwende and Gift Nhema appeared before Marondera Magistrate Ms Rumbidzayi Munemo who remanded them in custody to January 13, 2022.
Allegations are that on December 28, 2021 at around 1am, the six went to house number 22 Springfield Road in Macheke intending to rob Mr Shepard Haruzivi.
It is also alleged that the suspects used an unknown object to force open the door to the dining room and proceeded to the bedroom door where they demanded cash.
The court heard that Mr Haruzivi, who was armed with a pistol, was awakened by sounds at his bedroom door and as soon as the door opened, fired some shots towards the suspects.
It is said the suspects who were armed with a pistol fired back resulting in Moreblessing being shot in the chest while lying on the bed. She died instantly. Mr Haruzivi’s wife is said to have been injured by the same shot after being hit on the left breast and hand.
The court further heard that one of the suspects pointed a pistol at Mr Haruzivi’s cousin Nemrod Chirenda (22) who was in another room and threatened to shoot him if he tried to move.
It is further alleged that the suspects started firing shots randomly in the house as they retreated to their getaway car, a Toyota Fortuner which they had earlier stolen in Murehwa.
Investigations led to the arrest of the six suspects within two days.
Ms Vimbainashe Mukondo appeared for the State.
Last week, five suspected armed robbers who fatally shot Elvis Chijaka and seriously injured businessman Brian Chijaka and his partner Brenda Chimukonyo in Hatfield, Harare on Christmas Eve before getting away with cash and valuables appeared in court.
Lameck Kabara 39, Perseverance Chihota 32, Tongesai Katoma 40, Joseph John 32 and Tafadzwa Charuma were facing armed robbery, attempted murder, murder and unlawful possession of firearms when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Yeukai Chigodora. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The court heard that on December 23, the five accused persons hatched a plan to rob the complainants Brenda Chimukonyo and Brian Chijaka whom they knew own several clothing shops in Harare.
Online Reporter