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Remember Deketeke, Herald Reporter
There seems to be more violence around these days and violent killings, often in bar fights, with 47 such violent deaths over the festive season.
While every violent death is investigated as murder by the police, and the initial arrest and remand is on that charge, in the vast majority of cases the final prosecution is for culpable homicide, that is the accused person is to blame for the death but did not intend to kill.
A charge of culpable homicide means that a person took action that the reasonable person would realise could lead to injury or death.
Murder means that the person intended to kill and the charge can be divided into two. Murder with actual intent means the person decided to kill and killed; murder with constructive intent means that the person was so reckless that it can be construed that they intended to kill.
According to police statistics, the increase in homicides often stem from disputes at beer-drinking binges or sporting activities, family and community disagreements during gatherings, attacks by unknown suspects while walking at night, settling scores on Christmas Day by individuals and groups, and fights over girlfriends, among other causes.
This alarming trend has sparked conversations about the sanctity of life—a topic that seems more relevant than ever.
In a lengthy WhatsApp chat with Mr Phanuel Nechinanga, one of the Shona culture custodians residing in Mtoko, he narrated how life is sacred.
“In Shona culture, life is regarded as sacred, deeply intertwined with spirituality, community, and ancestral reverence,” he said.
“The Shona people, who primarily inhabit Zimbabwe, view every individual as a vital part of the community and the broader universe.
“This perspective shapes their beliefs, practices, and the way they relate to one another.”
He added that all forms of life must be respected, stemming from how connected all lives are to each other.
“The Shona people hold a profound respect for all forms of life, including animals and nature,” said Nechinanga.
“This reverence stems from their belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. The Shona worldview emphasises that harming another person disrupts the balance of life and creates disharmony within the community.”
A theological student, Mr Elvis Mazaiwana said killing is a sin against God.
“In Christianity, killing a grave sin against God, primarily based on the Sixth Commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’, which is interpreted as a prohibition against taking another person’s life intentionally and unjustly; Christians believe that all human life has inherent value and should be respected as such,” he said.
“This principle extends beyond murder to encompass the protection of life in all stages, including pregnancy and end-of-life situations, with different interpretations depending on denomination.”
Overall, Mr Mazaiwana added the Christian perspective on life and killing is rooted in the belief that all human life is sacred and should be valued, making any act of taking a life without justification a serious offense against God’s will.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said most homicides were found to be caused by misunderstandings at beer halls and social gatherings.
The increase in killings showed how people are taking human life for granted.
Online Reporter