Mutare – A dark cloud hangs over the Penhalonga community near Mutare following the gruesome discovery of a young man’s body in a local river. Andrew Matete, a 22-year-old resident, had gone fishing on the evening of February 21st, 2025, but never returned home, sparking a frantic search that ended in tragedy.
According to Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the circumstances surrounding Matete’s death are deeply disturbing. “The body of Andrew Matete was found in the mud in a river, missing its mouth,” Asst Insp Chinyoka confirmed, adding fuel to the already circulating rumours of a horrific attack by river creatures.
Matete was last seen alive on February 21st at approximately 6:30 pm, when he set out to fish near the picturesque Mapopoma Falls, accompanied by his 13-year-old sister. As dusk began to settle, Matete, showing concern for his younger sibling’s safety, instructed her to return home. He continued on his fishing expedition alone, unaware of the grim fate that awaited him.
When Matete failed to return home that night, his family grew increasingly worried. However, for reasons yet to be explained, he was not reported as a missing person. It wasn’t until two days later, on February 23rd, at around 7:30 pm, that Matete’s father, Mr. Robert Matete (63), received a chilling message from local villagers. They reported the discovery of a corpse floating in the river, suspecting it to be that of his missing son.
Driven by a father’s desperate hope against hope, Mr. Matete rushed to the riverbank, where his worst fears were confirmed. The floating body was indeed that of his beloved son, Andrew.
The Penhalonga police were immediately alerted and swiftly arrived at the scene to recover the body. What they discovered was a scene of unimaginable horror. According to Asst Insp Chinyoka, “Police observed that aquatic animals had eaten Andrew’s mouth, both upper and lower, and the body had wounds on its back.”
The mutilated remains of Andrew Matete were subsequently transported to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of death and the extent of the injuries inflicted.
Asst Insp Chinyoka assured the public that a full and thorough investigation into this bizarre and tragic incident is currently underway.
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