Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched full-scale investigations into two harrowing murder cases that have rocked the Seke and Dema communities in Mashonaland East province, with one suspect already in custody.

ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Farai Machaka (48) in connection with the gruesome murder of his 67-year-old aunt, Ruth Elizabeth Kadara, in Chounda village, Seke communal lands, last Thursday.

“The body of the victim was discovered in her kitchen hut. Investigations done by the police revealed that Farai Machaka allegedly subjected his aunt to sexual abuse before strangling her to death,” he said.

Com Nyathi said Machaka is also accused of stealing Kadara’s cellphone, which police have since recovered from him, strengthening the case against him.

In a separate and deeply disturbing case, police are investigating the tragic deaths of Ruth Ruvarashe Chidume (35) and her two young children, Tatenda Precious Blessings Gumbo (4) and Ira Makanakaishe Gumbo (2) whose bodies were found on Monday in a bedroom at Besa village in Dema communal lands.

“Ruth Chidume was discovered hanging from a wooden beam with a nylon fabric tied around her neck, while the two infants were found blindfolded with plastic papers covering their heads and tied below the necks,” said Com Nyathi.

While police have not confirmed the motive or sequence of events, the possibility of a double infanticide followed by suicide is under serious consideration, with Com Nyathi stressing that comprehensive investigations are still underway to establish the full circumstances.

Com Nyathi urged members of the public with any information related to either case to go to their nearest police station and assist law enforcement.

New Ziana