A 34-year-old Harare man has appeared in court charged with murder after he allegedly killed his friend and dumped the body in a gravel pit in Warren Park Hills.
Shepard Severa appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing a charge of murder. He was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that on 19 May 2026, at around 3:31 am, Severa lured Brian Nandana, 28, to Pfukwa Shopping Centre in Warren Park D on the pretext that he wanted to give him money.
It is alleged that Severa got into Nandana’s vehicle, strangled him, and then cut his throat with a knife. After the killing, he allegedly drove to Warren Park Hills, where he concealed the body in a gravel pit and covered it with stones.
The court heard that as Severa was returning to where the vehicle had been parked, he encountered Ronnie Tumbare and security guards who were watching over earth-moving equipment nearby. He allegedly fled the scene.
In the process, Severa is said to have dropped Nandana’s iPhone 12, which was later recovered by police. Investigations reportedly uncovered messages on the phone showing Severa luring Nandana to Warren Park D shortly before the murder.
Police investigations led to Severa’s arrest. The court heard that he later led detectives to the gravel pit where Nandana’s body was hidden. He also allegedly helped police recover the deceased’s car keys, which he had hidden in a bin at his home.
Meanwhile, ZBC News reported that Nandana was an orphan who had been raised at Newstart Children’s Home in Amalinda, Harare.
Related:
Taxi Driver Killed In Harare, Suspect Accused Of Drinking Victim’s Blood
Man Dies After Falling Into Open Pit Dug By Masvingo Council Workers