The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the shocking murder case involving two minors in Masvingo on Sunday.
ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police had arrested Obedience Makonye (29) in relation to the alleged murder of his niece and cousin, which occurred on Sunday in Gudza Mountain, Guyo B village, Zaka district in Masvingo province.
He said Makonye allegedly lured Elizabeth Munetsi (14) and Shepherd Makonye (9) to a mountain location where he killed them and dumped their bodies in the mountainous area.
“The suspect was arrested on 27 January 2026 after confessing to the crime,” he said, adding that police later recovered the bodies at the scene. A kitchen knife, believed to have been used in the commission of the offence, was also recovered during investigations.
In a separate but equally disturbing case, police are investigating the murder of a four-year-old Early Childhood Development (ECD) learner in Chiredzi, Masvingo province.
Comm Nyathi said the body of Steadfast Makondo (4) was found with multiple bruises on Tuesday in Newtown, Chiredzi, after the child had been reported missing while walking home from school.
“The body was later discovered under a Marula tree,” he said, noting that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Comm Nyathi said police in Ngundu are probing a tragic drowning incident in which Leon Zendekanyi (26) and Saint Munyaradzi (3) lost their lives after a boat carrying them and 8 other passengers capsized in the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam on Wednesday. The incident reportedly occurred after the vessel struck a hard object in the water.
Following the incidents, Comm Nyathi urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the safety of children, particularly primary and ECD learners.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to accompany children to and from school or to use the services of reputable and trusted transport operators. Children should not be left to travel alone, especially in isolated areas,” he said.
Comm Nyathi also warned the public against unsafe water activities, urging boat operators and passengers to avoid overloading vessels, ensure the use of proper safety equipment and exercise extreme caution when boarding or operating watercraft, adding investigations into all the reported cases are continuing.
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