Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has made extensive deployments in Guruve following the murder of two more people on Monday.
Authorities have identified Anymore Zvitsva as the prime suspect in the latest incidents, as the police continue efforts to restore safety in the area.
“I want to assure Zimbabweans that ZRP has made comprehensive deployments in Guruve to look for the suspect Anymore Zvitsva,” ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said.
Zvitsva is wanted in connection with a series of gruesome killings in the area, including the recent murder of five members of the Zvitsva family at Ona Farm on December 11.
An elderly woman aged 55 and a six-month-old infant were also found brutally killed at Farm 88, in Nyakapupu, Guruve, on December 18. Zvitsva is the prime suspect.
The latest victims are Alice Saujati Mayora, aged 40, and her 16-year-old daughter, Shalom Malunga.
When ZBC News visited different areas in Guruve this Tuesday, it witnessed heavy police presence, with Zimbabwe National Army officers also on the ground.
“As we speak, we have deployed police officers and other members of the security services who are conducting patrols, surveillance, and stop and searches in order to make sure that we arrest the suspect who has been identified. We have put in place some strategies, some of which we cannot review at the moment to make sure that we leave no stone unturned and arrest this suspect,” Commissioner Nyati said.
“For the safety of the villagers, we are now mobilising the people in Korobe to sleep in groups so that we safeguard lives.”
Commissioner Nyathi also confirmed police received a list with 100 women and 50 girls who are allegedly targeted by the suspect.
“We are fully aware of the list which was allegedly found and pinned on a scotch cart. Names of 100 women and 50 girls. The police are verifying the authenticity of the list, given allegations that some of the people on the list have already been killed. We are currently looking at the veracity of this list now,” he said.
The national police spokesperson warned any individuals who could possibly be working with the suspect that their days are numbered. To ensure their safety, villagers in the affected communities are now sleeping in groups.
