…as seven murdered in four days
By Staff Reporter
The Midlands Province recorded one of its bloodiest Christmas holidays after seven people were murdered in separate incidents between December 23 and 26, 2025, police have confirmed.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the murders occurred in Shurugwi, Gokwe South, Silobela and Zhombe, with most of the cases linked to disputes during beer drinking sessions.
Several suspects remain at large.
Among the victims was Trust Mupanduki (28) of Village Manokore under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi, who was allegedly stabbed at Safago Farm Compound. Police said Mupanduki was attacked with a knife by a man identified only as Taku, who accused him of chatting with his girlfriend. The suspect fled the scene, and Mupanduki’s body was later found in nearby bush after neighbours launched a search when he failed to return home. The suspect has not yet been located.
In another incident in Gokwe South, Malvin Fai Moyo (20) of Farm Number 45, Sikombela area, was stabbed to death while walking home from Mbotshwa tuckshops with a workmate. Inspector Mahoko said the suspect, Blessing Ncube (35) of Village Mbotshwa under Chief Malisa in Zhombe, allegedly followed the pair and stabbed Moyo with a knife, killing him on the spot. The suspect is still at large.
Silobela recorded another fatal stabbing involving Josphat Ncube (40) of Vhukani Village under Chief Malisa. Police said Ncube was drinking beer alone outside Ndebele Bar at BB Business Centre when four men confronted him for not sharing beer. The suspects allegedly dragged and assaulted him before stabbing him on the shoulder and neck. Ncube was taken to Silobela District Hospital, where he later died. One suspect, Adonis Bvenura (20), has been arrested, while three others — Lyton Mpofu, Donald Ndlovu (20) and Bornwell Matonhodze (20) — are still being sought.
Meanwhile, at Guyu Business Centre in Gokwe South, a dispute between two groups of revellers escalated into violence involving machetes and knives. Police said Laston Chimbon’o was stabbed once in the chest by a suspect identified as Anymore Chogodo and died at the scene. The suspect and his group fled, and police are pursuing leads to locate them.
Inspector Mahoko appealed to members of the public to assist police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“The success of our investigations hinges on cooperation from the public,” he said. “Anyone with information that may assist is urged to report to the nearest police station.”
Police investigations into the remaining murder cases are ongoing.
