By Ndinatsei Mavodza
CHIVI – Police have confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 33-year-old mentally challenged man, Shakemore Chihwe Pedzisayi, who was beaten to death by six men on September 20, 2025, over unfounded theft suspicions.
ThE incident adds to a disturbing trend of violent deaths in Masvingo province, coming just days after an unidentified man was found dead in a Triangle sugarcane plantation on September 22, and following another fatal mob justice case in Bikita earlier this year.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa identified the four arrested suspects as Nomore Murevegwa (33), Realize Murevegwa (18), Givemore Murevegwa (19) of Chikanga Village, and Fortune Zimoto (43) of Sauro Village.
A manhunt has been launched for the two remaining suspects, Ngonidzashe Zimoto (24) and Martin Zimoto (22).
According to police investigations, the tragedy unfolded around 7:00 AM on September 20 when Realize Murevegwa, who was operating his family’s tuck shop, confronted Pedzisayi after seeing him peering into the shop.
Dissatisfied with Pedzisayi’s response, Realize summoned the five other accused persons who jointly assaulted the mentally challenged man using sticks, fists, and kicks, leaving him unconscious.
A passerby discovered the critically injured Pedzisayi around 8:00 AM and was told by the suspects that they were punishing him for suspected theft. The victim sustained severe injuries including bruises on his shoulders, back, and neck, a facial scar, and swollen thighs.
Pedzisayi succumbed to his injuries at Mwenezi District Hospital at 9:00 AM on September 22, as confirmed by his father, Misheck Pedzisayi, who immediately notified the police.
Inspector Dhewa expressed concern over the rising cases of mob justice in the province, urging the public to trust formal legal processes rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The four suspects are expected to appear in court soon facing murder charges, while police continue to search for the two remaining accomplices.
The violence in Chivi follows other recent murder cases in the province, including the discovery of a decomposing body in a Masvingo city sewer in August and the fatal stabbing of a woman during a domestic dispute in Zaka last month. These cases have raised concerns about rising violent crime in the province.
