Story by Peter Chivhima
The country continue to witness an alarming surge in violence, with 47 murder cases reported across the country between December 20 and 26 this year.
The disturbing statistics were confirmed by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in a statement released on Friday evening.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, most murder cases resulted from disputes at social gatherings during Christmas celebrations, often triggered by excessive beer drinking.
Additionally, attacks by unknown suspects, particularly on individuals walking alone at night, contributed to the high number of murders.
The ZRP also attributed the rise in murder cases to conflicts over love relationships.
Among the disturbing cases is one of Mastard Chauke, aged 22, who is now facing a murder charge for allegedly killing Ostern Mangaru (29) on Christmas Day, with a stone during a beer-fuelled dispute in Mwenezi.
Learnmore Mudzengi (36) of Shurugwi is also in trouble over allegations of stabbing his brother, Sydney Mudzengi (21) to death following a misunderstanding at Musavezi Business Centre in Shurugwi.
It is alleged the conflict arose over a missing pool token.
In Harare, 22-year-old Nihipalakar Muyaya allegedly assaulted his 70-year-old grandmother to death for not giving him a Christmas present in Kuwadzana 7, Harare.
With these and other murder cases, the ZRP is urging the public to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasising the importance of respecting human life.
Commissioner Nyathi is also calling upon community leaders, traditional authorities, and the church to promote non-violent conflict resolution initiatives.
