Harare, (New Ziana) – A 72-year-old Kadoma man was murdered in his sleep allegedly by an intruder who later stole US$3000 from the home on New Year’s eve, police said. In a statement, police said a manhunt for the suspect, who is yet to be identified, had been launched.

“Police in Kadoma are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of murder which occurred on 31/12/24 at around 0300 hours at Mazaretha Patchway in which Elijah Kesia (72) died,” said the police.

An unknown suspect, said the police, stormed into the victim’s bedroom and struck him on the forehead with an axe, killing him instantly. The suspect went on to steal about US$3000 cash and a mobile phone. In another incident in Chivhu, police arrested a man who had allegedly robbed 175 litres of diesel from a mobile phone company booster after attacking a security guard.

According to the police, on December 30, 2024, police in Chivhu reacted swiftly to a report of robbery and arrested Brian Gava (36) for allegedly attacking a security guard before stealing the fuel at a mobile network booster in Masasa.

“The police intercepted Gava’s getaway vehicle, a Mazda B2200 double cab with registration number ACG 1716 and recovered the stolen diesel loaded in 19X30 litre containers and a spray painting gun,” said the police.

Three of Gava’s alleged accomplices identified as Edmore Mereki, Honest Chirinda and another one only identified as Tadiwa managed to escape.

Meanwhile, two boys died after drowning in a river in Buhera. According to the police, on December 30, 2024 the two boys aged 7 and 11 from Mutero village in Muzokomba were herding cattle before deciding to cool off in a nearby river resulting in both of them drowning.

New Ziana