By Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru – A 94-year-old woman’s body was recently found inside her burning home, which police suspect was probably set ablaze to conceal murder.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened in Ridgemont, Gweru on March 17 2024 at about 1400 hours and appealed to members of the public for information on what might have transpired.
“We appeal to anyone who might have knowledge of what could have happened to approach the Police,” said Mahoko.
Sources said a passerby saw the house on fire and rushed into the yard calling for help from neighbors who came and called fire brigade and the police who reacted swiftly and put out the fire.
The deceased’s body was discovered lying in the dining room partly covered with broken asbestos sheets. The body was inspected by the Police who found four stab wounds on the abdomen and two stab wounds on the neck which raised suspicion that someone might have killed the woman before setting the house on fire.
The body was positively identified as that of Regina Muzanenhamo, (94) of Buggies road, Ridgemont, Gweru.
In a separate case incident, a decomposing body of a male adult identified as Emmanuel Mamhanga (29) of Village 9C Hibbo, Mberengwa, was discovered in a bush by two boys who were herding cattle on March 18 2024.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko warned members of the public against resorting to violence when resolving disputes.
“I can confirm we received a report where a decomposing body was discovered in the bush. We urge members of the public not to resolve to violence when solving issues,” said Mahoko.
Allegations are that on 26 February 2024 at about 1200 hours Mamhanga was at his homestead in Village 9C Hibbo, Mberengwa in the company of his two children when he was approached by two men Abel Hlanya and Tafadzwa Mhlanga both aged 23 years of the same village.
The two were accusing Mamhanga of having proposed love to Hlanya’s wife. They attacked him until he ran away from his homestead. From that day Mamhanga never returned home and no one saw him again.
On March 18 2024 at about 1400 hours the body of Mamhanga was discovered by two boys who were herding cattle in the grazing area who advised their elders. A report was made to the Police and the two suspects are in Police custody assisting with investigations.
