HARARE — A major police manhunt is underway for a suspect accused of killing five members of the same family in a brutal attack in Guruve, Mashonaland Central.
Police said the murders occurred on the night of December 11 at Plot 9, Ona Farm.
A suspect identified as Anymore Zvitsva, who is believed to have mental health problems, is alleged to have carried out the killings and remains at large.
The victims have been named as Grace Zvitsva, 66; Loice Chiringaushe, 37; Takudzwa Kariva, 5; Tatenda Chirenje, 2; and Tendai Zvitsva, 40.
Police said the dead included a grandmother, her adult daughter, two young grandchildren and another family member.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a neighbour was alerted by noises coming from the homestead and went to investigate with two other villagers.
They found bloodstains at the kitchen entrance and discovered Tendai Zvitsva unconscious and bleeding heavily from deep chest wounds.
Further inspection revealed extensive bloodstains throughout the house and the bodies of the four other victims lying in the main bedroom.
Tendai Zvitsva was rushed to Guruvé Hospital but died on admission.
Police said five other grandchildren of Grace Zvitsva, who had been sleeping in a separate bedroom, were found unharmed.
Police said the suspect is also being linked to recent murder cases in Zimuna Village, under Chief Bepura, where Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura and Tawanda Chipangura were killed in circumstances that remain under investigation.
The police have intensified efforts to track down the suspect, deploying drone surveillance alongside specialist manhunt teams drawn from the Support Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, canine units, horse patrols and intelligence services.
Police believe the suspect may be hiding in nearby forested and mountainous terrain.
The motive for the killings remains unclear and investigations are continuing.
“The ZRP urges relatives and members of the community not to ignore mentally challenged patients or individuals showing signs of mental instability within communities,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“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.”
