Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THREE men convicted in separate murder cases, including two who raped and killed a woman on her way to church, have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bulawayo High Court.
Among those jailed are Quinton Sibanda (18) and Kamuelo Moyo (20), both of Dombolidenje Village under Chief Sitaudze in Beitbridge, who were convicted of murdering a woman after robbing and sexually assaulting her.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the pair attacked the victim while she was walking to a church service.
“The accused robbed the victim of a cellphone before taking turns to rape her,” she said.
“In an attempt to conceal the offence, the duo strangled the victim and stabbed her several times all over the body using an Okapi knife, resulting in her death.
“They then dragged the body and concealed it about 15 metres from the footpath before fleeing from the scene.”
Following investigations, the two were arrested on May 9, 2025, and appeared before Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Naison Chivhayo on June 3, 2026.
The State was represented by Ms Ellen Kanengoni.
They were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment each.
In a separate case, Method Zhou (29) of Chief Mudavanhu area in Mberengwa was also sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bulawayo High Court on May 27, 2026, after being convicted of murdering his wife.
Justice Chivhayo presided over the matter, while the State was represented by Ms Caroline Mabhena.
The court heard that Zhou killed his wife following a dispute over allegations of infidelity.
The crime came to light on January 18, 2025, when a relative visited the victim after repeatedly failing to contact her.
After unsuccessful efforts to locate her, a missing person report was filed.
Police investigations led to Zhou’s arrest in Mberengwa on January 25, 2025.
Upon arrest, he confessed to the murder and led detectives to a bushy area along the Mjeni River where the victim’s remains were recovered.
Meanwhile, Simbarashe Zvenyika (41) of Muhlasi Village under Chief Nyangazonke in Kezi was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of murder by the Bulawayo High Court on May 28, 2026.
Justice Ngoni Nduna presided over the case, while the State was represented by Mr Khumbulani Nyoni.
Zvenyika fatally stabbed the victim following a long-running dispute linked to allegations of infidelity before fleeing and hiding in the Manoti area of Gokwe.
Police investigations and follow-up operations eventually led to his arrest in 2024, culminating in his conviction and sentencing.
Det Insp Muteweri commended the courts for imposing stiff penalties on violent offenders.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to applaud the courts for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime and in ensuring that justice prevails. Members of the public are urged to find amicable ways of resolving their differences and avoid resorting to violence,” she said.
