Tinotenda Hove – Communities in Guruve and Murehwa have been plunged into deep shock and fear following the burial of five people killed in a brutal murder spree, as reports of two more deaths in Nyakapupu heightened anxiety and uncertainty across the area.

The victims were laid to rest on Thursday at different burial sites, in funerals marked by tears, disbelief and heavy silence. Families and neighbours struggled to comprehend the scale of the violence, with many still fearing that the killer or killers remain at large.

At Ona Farm in Guruve, mourners gathered to bury 66-year-old Grace Zvitsva and her son Tendai. Relatives wept openly beside freshly dug graves, describing scenes of unbearable pain as they said goodbye to loved ones whose lives were violently cut short.

About 30 kilometres away in Chikwidibe, Zvitsva’s daughter, 37-year-old Loice Chiringaushe, and her two-year-old son Tatenda Chirenje were also buried the same day. The sight of the toddler’s small coffin being lowered into the ground left mourners stunned, many standing in silence, visibly traumatised.

The fifth victim, five-year-old Takudzwa Kariva, was laid to rest in Murehwa, closing a heartbreaking day of burials that has left entire communities shaken.

Family members and residents described the killings as devastating, saying an entire family had been wiped out and a once lively homestead left deserted.

“My granny was a good woman. This is very sad for our family and we are at a loss. Five people were killed and we don’t know what to do with this homestead now. It will have to be shut down. A whole family has been destroyed,” said a community member.

Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, joined mourners and offered condolences, urging residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

“This is a sad development for our district and our province at large. These killings which have happened are being investigated by the police and I want to encourage people not to lose their tempers and give room for the culprits who did this to be captured,” Magomo said.

Traditional leader Chief Chipuriro said the violence had deeply unsettled the community, prompting him to consult elders and spirit mediums in an effort to understand the cause of the attacks.

“When this happened, I was deeply worried. I summoned the spirit mediums but before we could do anything, more killings took place. On the day we were supposed to meet again, more killings took place so we are at a loss on what to do but we still must meet and find a course of action,” he said.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the deaths were recorded on Thursday, adding that police officers were still attending to the crime scenes and investigations were ongoing.

Sad scene from Guruve, photo: ZBC News