Chitungwiza- St. Mary’s Constituency is reeling from the brutal murder of a local resident, Peter Kampira during a robbery, prompting an urgent plea for justice from area Member of Parliament, Brighton Mazhindu.

In a strongly-worded statement released today, Mazhindu said he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the killing, which he directly linked to a national crisis of escalating violence and rampant drug abuse among youth.

“This tragic incident comes at a time when the nation is still grappling with the arrest of a notorious murderer in Guruve, underscoring a disturbing trend,” Mazhindu stated.

He expressed grave concern over a “growing disregard for the sanctity of human life,” warning that this erosion of respect for life must alarm everyone.

“I am gravely concerned that there is a growing disregard for the sanctity of human life. No grievance, crime, or circumstance can ever justify the taking of another person’s life. This erosion of respect for life must alarm us all.”

The MP issued a direct call to law enforcement, urging a thorough investigation to ensure “the perpetrators are brought to justice.” He tied the violence to a broader social ill, stating that the “continued abuse of drugs by some of our young people is increasingly fueling criminal behaviour, violence, and loss of life.”

Mazhindu labelled drug abuse a “serious threat to community safety and social stability,” demanding urgent, collective action from families, community leaders, and government agencies.

“Equally worrying is the continued abuse of drugs by some of our young people, which is increasingly fueling criminal behaviour, violence, and loss of life.

Drug and substance abuse has become a serious threat to community safety and social stability, and it requires urgent, collective action from families, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the government,” said Mazhindu.

The statement calls for a community-wide recommitment to protecting life and guiding youth away from substances.

“We must restore peace, safety, and moral responsibility,” Mazhindu concluded, while offering prayers for the victim’s family.

Last week, a WhatsApp message circulated on social media where an appeal was made for relatives of the late Kampira to come forward at Chitungwiza Referral Hospital.

Read the message:

“Uyu anonzi Peter Kampira kana kuti Jibha baba Maud vemuna Danga vakarohwa ne matsotsi ku St Mary panonzi pa Forward akarohwa ne matsotsi kana pane anoziva hama yake atizovisirewo tashaya hama yake kana one ari paChitungwiza Hospital.”

The message translation is “This is Peter Kampira also known as Jibha or Maud’s father who resides in Danga Street. He was attacked by thieves at Forward in St Mary’s. If there is anyone who knows his relatives kindly refer them to Chitungwiza Hospital, where he is, as we have failed to locate his relatives.”

The murder in St. Mary’s adds to a mounting sense of insecurity, placing fresh pressure on authorities to address both violent crime and its alleged root causes.

Recently, broadcaster, writer and actress, Cordelia Masalethulini (45) was allegedly murdered by her live in boyfriend, Fungai Quinton Tawengwa.

Tawengwa has appeared in court facing murder charges.

According to the latest report by the National Statistical Agency, Zimbabwe recorded a staggering total of 321 640 criminal offences between April and June 2025.

This figure marked a 3.5 percent increase from the 310 876 cases reported in the first quarter of the year, reflecting surge in crimes including robbery, sexual offences, drug related incidents, and murder, with theft remaining the most prevalent crime.