By Virginia Njovo
A 16-year-old boy from Maziriri Village, Headman Makonese in Chivi is on the run after allegedly murdering his four-year-old male cousin and police have since launched a manhunt for him as the prime suspect.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the murder of Takunda Mukumba and urged members of the public to respect the sanctity of life while appealing to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the 16-year-old to inform the police.
“We confirm the murder of four-year-old Mukumba at their home in Maziriri Village. As police we advise members of the public to preserve life, every human being has a right to life as enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe. We further appeal to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to inform the police for investigations,” said Dhewa.
Allegations are that on May 5, 2024, 32-year-old Shonhai Maunganidze an uncle to both the deceased and the suspect left the two together and went to Chivi Growth Point.
Upon his return at around 1900 hours on the same day, Maunganidze found Mukumba’s body on the floor covered with blankets. Maunganidze switched on his torch and inspected the body and discovered his head was swollen with bruises on the body and the suspect was nowhere to be found.
A report was made to the police and the body was conveyed to Chivi District Mortuary for post-mortem.
