A 29-year-old man from Zaka in Masvingo Province, Obedience Makonye, has been arrested on allegations that he raped and murdered his 14-year-old niece and also killed his nine-year-old cousin.
The two learners from Dekeza Primary School in Ward 29, Zaka District, were murdered while walking home from school.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the murders which occurred on 26 January 2026 at Gondora Mountain, Guyo B Village in Zaka, Masvingo. Said Comm. Nyathi:
“The suspect allegedly lured his niece, Elizabeth Munetsi (14) and cousin, Shepherd Makonye (9), to the mountain where he allegedly sexually abused the female juvenile in the presence of the cousin.
“The victims were heading home from school. The suspect went on to kill both victims in an effort to conceal the offence. The bodies were allegedly dumped at the mountain.
“The suspect was arrested on 27th January 2026 after confessing to the heinous incident to the Police.
“Subsequently, the bodies of the victims were located at the mountain, and a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the commission of the offence was recovered.”
In a separate incident, police in Chiredzi are investigating a murder case involving an ECD A learner, Steadfast Makondo (aged four).
Comm. Nyathi said that the child was found dead with multiple bruises on 27 January 2026 in Newtown, Chiredzi, after reportedly going missing on her way home from school. Her body was discovered under a Marula tree.
Related:
Mutangadura’s Neighbour Arrested As Seventh Suspect In Businessman’s Murder
Guruve Serial Killer Murders Two More People, Death Toll Rises To Ten