MASVINGO – A dark cloud has fallen over Zaka and Chiredzi as the Zimbabwe Republic Police a gruesome chilling of a man who killed his niece afte raping her before killing his cousin.
Tje police also report a mysterious death of a four-year-old learner.
Following the incidents, police have confirmed the arrest of Obedience Makonye (29) in connection with the brutal murder of two young relatives at Gondora Mountain, Zaka. On January 26, 2026, Makonye allegedly intercepted his niece, Elizabeth Munetsi (14), and cousin, Shepherd Makonye (9), as they walked home from school.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the suspect lured the pair to the mountain where he allegedly sexually abused the 14-year-old girl in the presence of her younger cousin.
In a desperate attempt to conceal the crime, Makonye is believed to have murdered both children and dumped their bodies on the mountain.
The suspect was apprehended on January 27, after confessing to the horrific acts.
Police subsequently recovered the victims’ bodies alongside a kitchen knife used in the attack.
In a separate heart-breaking case, a search party in Newtown, Chiredzi, discovered the body of four-year-old Steadfast Makondo under a Marula tree on January 27.
It is reported that the ECD A learner had gone missing while returning from school.
Authorities noted multiple bruises on the child’s body and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
The province’s woes deepened on January 28, when a boat carrying 10 passengers capsised in Tugwi Mukosi Dam.
The vessel reportedly struck a submerged object, leading to the drowning of Leona Zendekanyi (26) and Saint Munyaradzi (3).
