Staff Reporter

A 94 year old woman from Village Marozva, Chief Banga, Shurugwi was beaten to death by her grandson following accusations of witchcraft on 3 february 2024.

Police said Esther Marozva died due to injuries sustained after she was beat by her grandson, Takudzwa Mugariri (25).

“On 3 February 2024 Esther Marozva was at her homestead together with her son Chamunorwa Mugariri a male aged 50 years and daughter – in-law Soneni Mpofu (36) when her grandson Takudzwa Mugariri, a man, aged 25 arrived home. He started accusing hs grandmother of witchcraft. He went onto take Esther’s clothes and burnt them. Chamunorwa and Soneni tried to refrain Takudzwa but it was in vain.

Chamunorwa rushed to his elder sister Dorcas Mugariri’s residence at Village Mujau, Chief Banga, Shurugwi to inform her. During his absence, Soneni was also chased away from home by Takudzwa who was now beating the elderly Esther. On his return Chamunorwa found Esther Marozva’s lifeless body leaning against a 50kg sack of maize in her bedroom whilst Takudzwa was seated on the bed. Takudzwa then ran away,” said Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

The matter was reported to the police and during scene attendance, it was observed that the body had multiple injuries. It was conveyed to the Shurugwi district Hospital mortuary.

Police are appealing to members of the public who might have information that can lead to the arrest of Takudzwa Mugariri.