Nyasha Chimbadzwa
GWERU – NINE people have died at the hands of mentally challenged patients in the past fortnight, in what must rank as one of the worst tragedies witnessed in recent times.
Two weeks ago, a man believed to have mental health challenges, allegedly went on a killing rampage in Bellas Village, Madlambudzi, in Bulilima District, resulting in the deaths of five villagers – three of them from the same family.
Phamani Sibanda (43) is said to have started his murder crusade just after midday when he stormed an elderly couple’s homestead and viciously attacked them with logs, killing the husband instantly while the wife was left in a coma. Not satisfied with his dastardly act, Sibanda left his homestead and headed for the next homestead, where he left three family members, all female and including a six-year-old girl, dead.
The two elderly women victims were a mother and her daughter, while the girl was a niece to the slain mother.
The man whom people believe to be mentally challenged, then went to the nearest community dam, where he found a woman doing her laundry. He pummeled her to death right there with a log and sharp object. Police positively identified the victims as Elliot Khuphe (101), Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), Tiffan S Ndlovu (6) and Catra Matsika (72). Two injured females aged 90 and 41 were ferried to Madlambuzi and subsequently Plumtree District Hospital for treatment.
Then last week Zimbabwe Republic Police reported that four more people lost their lives in two separate incidents in Gokwe and Karoi, expressing concern at the escalation of murder cases involving individuals with mental health challenges across the country.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, urged the public to exercise caution, particularly when interacting with individuals with mental health challenges.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urged the public to exercise caution, particularly when interacting with individuals with mental health challenges.
“We implore families and guardians of individuals with mental health issues to seek professional help and ensure that they receive the necessary support and treatment on time.”
The latest incident occurred in Gokwe, where a brutal murder has shaken Ruraka Village in Gokwe South after a 43-year-old suspected mental patient allegedly murdered his aunt and then proceeded to set her body alight.
Police said the offender, Tafara Machiri, allegedly attacked his aunt, Syvia Sawa (64), and then murdered her.
Commissioner Nyathi said investigators recovered a blood-stained machete and two knobkerries at the scene, believed to have been used in the murder.
On August 18, 2025, Patrick Makufa, a mental health patient, allegedly struck Constaine Mabheka (55) several times on the head with the axe handle, resulting in her death in Makoni Village in Tengwe, Karoi.
The suspect then hit Kunashe Mabheka (4) once on the head with the axe handle before ambushing Atilda (19), whom he struck several times on the head with an axe handle.
“All three victims died on the spot,” said the national police spokesperson.
The police have since arrested the suspect.
Commissioner Nyathi urged communities to ensure that mental health patients are referred to medical institutions and that their treatment and behaviour are closely monitored to prevent violent incidents.
“We appeal to members of the public to promptly report such conduct to the police via the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp on 0712 800197, or at their nearest police station,” he said.
