A major police manhunt is underway in Guruve, Mashonaland Central, following the brutal murder of five members of the same family at Plot 9, Ona Farm. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have identified Anymore Zvitsva as the prime suspect in the killings, which occurred on the night of December 11th. Zvitsva is currently at large, and authorities believe he may be hiding in the nearby forested and mountainous terrain.
The victims of this horrific crime have been named as Grace Zvitsva, 66; Loice Chiringaushe, 37; Takudzwa Kariva, 5; Tatenda Chirenje, 2; and Tendai Zvitsva, 40. The deceased include a grandmother, her adult daughter, two young grandchildren, and another family member.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the details of the tragedy in a statement, saying: “A suspect identified as Anymore Zvitsva allegedly murdered five members of the same family, a female adult, her two children and two grandchildren.”
The gruesome discovery was made after a neighbour, alerted by unusual noises emanating from the Zvitsva homestead, went to investigate accompanied by two other villagers.
Commissioner Nyathi detailed the scene that awaited them: “Upon arrival, the neighbour who was in the company of two villagers observed bloodstains at the kitchen doorstep and found Tendai Zvitsva unconscious and bleeding profusely with deep cuts on the chest. Further inspection revealed extensive bloodstains around the homestead with the bodies of Grace Zvitsva, Loice Chiringaushe, Takudzwa Kariva and Tatenda Chirenje lying in the main bedroom.”
Tendai Zvitsva was rushed to Guruve Hospital but tragically died upon admission due to the severity of his injuries.
Amidst the carnage, there was a small glimmer of hope. Five other grandchildren of Grace Zvitsva, who had been sleeping in a separate bedroom, were found unharmed. Commissioner Nyathi confirmed this, stating: “The search continued in other rooms leading to the rescue of five of Grace Zvitsva’s grandchildren who had been sleeping in a spare bedroom and were found unharmed.”
The motive for this appalling act remains unclear, and police investigations are ongoing. However, authorities are not treating this as an isolated incident.
Commissioner Nyathi revealed a disturbing connection: “The suspect is also linked to the recent murder cases in Zimuna Village, Chief Bepura where Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura and Tawanda Chipangura were killed in circumstances under probe by the police.”
Pamela Chipangura, 39, was murdered alongside her two children, Kudzai and Tawanda, in Zimuna Village. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are still under investigation, but the police are now treating Anymore Zvitsva as a person of interest in these cases as well.
The police have launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend Zvitsva. Commissioner Nyathi outlined the resources being deployed: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified the search for the suspect with the aid of drone technology and manhunt teams comprising Support Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, Canine, horse patrols and intelligence units to conduct close surveillance in the forest and mountain where the suspect is alleged to be hiding.”
The local community, including traditional leaders, is also assisting the police in their efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.
This latest tragedy has brought the total number of murders in the Guruve area since October to at least 14, according to some reports, though other sources claim the figure is as high as 17. This surge in violent crime has raised serious questions and concerns.
Residents are understandably worried and are demanding answers. What is driving this wave of violence? Is a serial killer, or perhaps a group of killers, responsible for these heinous acts?
Amidst the ongoing investigation, Commissioner Nyathi issued a plea to the public, urging vigilance and responsible action regarding individuals with mental health issues.
“As investigations into the murder case which occurred at Ona Farm, Guruve, continue, the ZRP urges relatives and members of the community not to ignore mentally challenged patients or individuals showing signs of mental instability within communities,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of seeking professional help for those in need: “The public is urged to notify the nearest health facility, social welfare office or police station so that the individuals can be referred to qualified professionals for treatment, proper assessment and support.”
The police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Anymore Zvitsva to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or to report to their nearest police station.
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