Police in Kwekwe have apprehended two men suspected of killing a 40-year-old woman at a bar in Redcliff, after she reportedly rejected one of their romantic advances. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests on their official X (formerly Twitter) page, revealing that the tragic incident took place on Sunday, 10 August, at a popular local spot known as Mutegude Shops.
The deceased has been identified as Rosemary Diana, a woman who was reportedly attacked after refusing the romantic overtures of one of the suspects. The police statement named the two men arrested as 22-year-old Thembinkosi Ndlovu and 24-year-old Nkosinomusa Moyo, both of whom now face serious charges linked to the murder.
According to the ZRP, the fatal attack unfolded shortly after Moyo’s unwanted advances were rebuffed by the woman. What started as a personal rejection soon escalated into violence. Ndlovu is alleged to have assaulted the woman by striking her multiple times with a cooking stick, while Moyo reportedly inflicted a fatal stab wound to her back using a knife.
“The suspects attacked the victim after she had rejected Nkosinomusa Moyo’s romantic advances,” the police statement said. “Thembinkosi Ndlovu and Nkosinomusa Moyo have since been arrested in connection with this case.”
The violent episode has shocked the local community in Redcliff and Kwekwe, where residents expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic loss of life. Many community members called for justice, hoping the courts would deal decisively with the suspects.
According to investigations by the Kwekwe police, the incident occurred in the early evening at the bar located within Mutegude Shops—a known gathering place for locals. Eyewitnesses said that Moyo approached Diana with romantic intentions, which she firmly rejected. Following her refusal, tensions quickly escalated, leading to a confrontation between the parties involved.
The police report notes that the altercation turned violent within moments, with Ndlovu reportedly coming to Moyo’s aid by physically assaulting the woman. The stabbing by Moyo caused severe injuries that led to the woman’s immediate death at the scene.
Police were quick to respond to the incident after being alerted by witnesses. Both suspects were taken into custody shortly thereafter and have since been remanded pending further legal proceedings.
Two Men Arrested in Kwekwe Over Murder of Woman Following Rejected Romantic Advances
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have urged members of the public to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue rather than resorting to violence. “We call upon everyone to respect the dignity and rights of others,” the ZRP stated in their public notice. “Conflicts should be handled with maturity and without resorting to physical harm.”
This tragic case highlights ongoing concerns in Zimbabwe regarding violence against women and the dangers that sometimes arise from rejected romantic advances. Local activists and organizations working on women’s rights have condemned the incident and stressed the importance of promoting respect and safety for women in all social spaces.
“This heartbreaking event is a stark reminder of the need to educate our communities about consent and the consequences of violence,” said a spokesperson for one such advocacy group. “Every individual has the right to say no, and that choice must be respected.”
The two accused men—Thembinkosi Ndlovu and Nkosinomusa Moyo—are expected to appear in court soon. They face charges of murder under Zimbabwe’s criminal laws, which carry severe penalties if found guilty.
Legal experts note that the evidence in this case, including eyewitness testimony and forensic findings, will be critical in determining the outcome of the trial. The police have pledged to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the meantime, community members remain vigilant, hoping that this case serves as a deterrent against future acts of violence sparked by rejected advances or personal disputes.
Incidents like this one underscore the challenges Zimbabwe faces in combating gender-based violence. Despite legal frameworks designed to protect women, the enforcement of these laws and community education remain key areas needing improvement.
Zimbabwe has made strides in recent years to address violence against women through various policies and public awareness campaigns. However, cases of fatal violence stemming from relationship conflicts still occur, drawing attention to the urgent need for sustained efforts.
Government agencies, NGOs, and civil society continue to work towards creating safer environments where women can live free from fear of violence or harassment. The hope is that greater awareness, alongside effective law enforcement, will help reduce tragedies like the one involving the woman.
Source- Bulawayo24
