SAMUEL NJINGA
Police in Masvingo Province are investigating four separate cases involving the discovery of dead bodies in different locations over the past week, sparking concern and calls for increased public vigilance.
In the Victoria Ranch high-density suburb of Masvingo, the lifeless body of Ropafadzo Jimu, who had been reported missing days earlier, was discovered floating in Tirivanhu Dam on Monday morning. The young man’s body was retrieved by a search team, and preliminary indications suggest no visible signs of external injuries. Police have since launched a full investigation.
Tragedy also struck in Bikita District under Chief Marozva, where a herdboy identified as Learnmore Murevesi, employed at the Murove Homestead, was found dead near Chinhamo Business Centre. The body was discovered early Tuesday morning by local women on their way to the market. According to reports, Murevesi had been drinking illicit alcohol the previous night, raising suspicions that the death may be linked to drug and substance abuse, a growing concern in rural communities.
In another grim development, a decomposing body of a man believed to be mentally challenged was discovered in a bush near a lay-by close to Chiredzi. The advanced state of decomposition suggests the body had been there for several days. Police say the identity of the deceased remains unknown, and the body has been taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Most recently, a fourth body was discovered on Sunday by Manasa Madhende while he was collecting firewood in the bush in Chatsworth, Gutu. He alerted his 55-year-old father, Tawanda Madhende, who then reported the matter to the police. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death. The body has since been transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. Police are appealing to anyone with missing relatives to check with ZRP Chatsworth Police Station.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed all four cases and urged members of the public to remain alert and to report missing persons or suspicious activities promptly.
“We are treating each of these incidents seriously. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding each death,” said Dhewa. “We also urge the public, particularly the youth, to stay away from unregulated substances which are endangering lives.”
The incidents have sent shockwaves through the affected communities, with local leaders calling for more awareness campaigns around mental health, community safety as well as drug and substance abuse.