By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Justice was finally served when a 35-year-old man from Bikita was slapped with a 16 year jail term by Masvingo High Court for a murder he committed in March 2022. He was arrested in October 2023 but the matter had been dragging since then.
In a statement on its official X handle, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe confirmed the conviction of Simbarashe Zano (35) from Nherere Village, Chief Marozva, Bikita for the murder of Gift Mudyiwa (32)
Circumstances were that on the day in question, Zano and Mudyiwa were drinking beer at Mugabe Bar at Chinhamo business centre. Later at around 0300 hours, Mudyiwa went to one Brian Bandauko’s shop to buy beer.
The following morning, at around 0500 hours, a witness walking near Chinhamo Business Centre bus stop saw Zano dragging something that appeared heavy. The witness identified Zano by his dreadlocks and a blue t-shirt he was wearing the previous day when she visited his shrine.
Mudyiwa’s body was found near Chinhamo Business Centre where Zano was seen by the witness before he disappeared until October 2023 when he was arrested by the police.
Mudyiwa was found lying on his right side, face down, in a pool of blood, with blood coming from his mouth and nose. A log was found near the body.
The police attended the scene at around 0800 hours and Mudyiwa’s body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital, where a post-mortem was conducted.
The post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was a severe head injury and blunt trauma.
