A heavy pall of grief has engulfed Guruve and neighbouring Murehwa following the burial of five victims of a brutal killing spree that has left communities traumatised and fearful, as police intensify investigations amid reports of two more deaths in Nyakapupu.
The five victims were laid to rest at different burial sites on Thursday, with each funeral marked by deep sorrow, disbelief and a sense of collective shock. Families, friends and neighbours struggled to process the magnitude of the tragedy, as entire communities came together in mourning.
At Ona Farm in Guruve, mourners gathered in large numbers to bid farewell to 66-year-old Grace Zvitsva and her son, Tendai. The atmosphere was heavy and sombre as relatives wept openly beside the graves, many still grappling with how a single family could be wiped out in such a violent manner. For those who knew the family, the loss felt personal and overwhelming, leaving a void that words could not easily fill.
Roughly 30 kilometres away in Chikwidibe, Zvitsva’s daughter, 37-year-old Loice Chiringaushe, and her two-year-old son, Tatenda Chirenje, were also laid to rest on the same day. The burial of the young child, in particular, drew visible anguish from mourners, with many standing in stunned silence as the small coffin was lowered into the ground. Tears flowed freely, and prayers were offered for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
The final burial took place in Murehwa, where five-year-old Takudzwa Kariva was laid to rest. His death brought the series of funerals to a painful close, leaving behind a trail of grief that stretched across districts. Community members described the week as one of the darkest they had experienced, saying fear and sadness now hung over villages that were once peaceful.
Five Guruve Murder Victims Laid to Rest as Police Intensify Investigations into Killings
Relatives and neighbours said the killings had not only claimed lives but had also shattered the social fabric of the community. A homestead that once echoed with laughter and daily activity now stands empty, a stark reminder of the violence that unfolded.
“My granny was a good woman. This is very sad for our family and we are at a loss,” said one grieving relative. “Five people were killed and we don’t know what to do with this homestead now. It will have to be shut down. A whole family has been destroyed.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, attended some of the funerals and offered words of comfort to the bereaved families. He assured residents that law enforcement agencies were working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
“This is a sad development for our district and our province at large,” Minister Magomo said. “These killings are being investigated by the police, and I want to encourage people not to lose their tempers. Let us give space for the culprits to be identified and captured so that justice can take its course.”
He also urged communities to remain calm and to cooperate fully with the police, warning against taking the law into their own hands amid heightened emotions and fear.
Traditional leaders have also been drawn into the crisis as communities seek answers and reassurance. Chief Chipuriro said the killings had deeply unsettled residents and prompted him to convene a council of elders. He added that he had also consulted spirit mediums in an attempt to understand the underlying causes of the violence.
“When this happened, I was deeply worried,” Chief Chipuriro said. “I summoned the spirit mediums, but before we could do anything, more killings took place. On the day we were supposed to meet again, more killings occurred. We are at a loss, but we still must meet and find a course of action as a community.”
Meanwhile, police have stepped up investigations in the affected areas. Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed that the deaths were recorded on Thursday but said details remained limited as officers were still attending to the crime scenes.
“As investigations are ongoing, we are not yet in a position to provide further information,” Inspector Mundembe said, adding that police presence in the area had been increased to reassure residents and maintain order.
As fear continues to ripple through Guruve, Murehwa and surrounding areas, residents are calling for swift justice and enhanced security. The tragic loss of five lives has not only left families grieving but has also shaken the wider community, with many hoping that answers — and arrests — will soon bring a measure of closure and restore a sense of safety.
Source- ZBC
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