Staff Reporter

The High Court in Gokwe has handed down life sentences to Collins Jongwe and Stephen Matenganyika for the brutal murders of Kenneth Pedzisai Chirashi and his wife, Lorna Taylor Chirashi, in a landmark ruling that has brought some closure to a community still reeling from the crime.

The couple was murdered in cold blood at their home in Redcliff on 14 February 2024—Valentine’s Day—in an attack that sent shockwaves across the nation.

According to court proceedings, Jongwe and Matenganyika forcibly entered the Chirashis’ residence, demanding money before launching a vicious assault. Kenneth was reportedly strangled with a black electrical cable and struck with a pick, while Lorna was bludgeoned with a shovel, strangled, and repeatedly hit with a pickaxe in a horrifying act of violence.

The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence linking the accused to the crime. Jongwe was found in possession of the victims’ national identity documents, US$400 in cash with serial numbers matching those in the Chirashi home, and vehicle plates that had been removed. A neighbor testified seeing Jongwe driving the couple’s vehicle shortly after screams were heard from the property.

The court ruled that the murders were premeditated and executed with extreme cruelty. In delivering the sentence, the judge emphasized the need for justice and deterrence, stating that such heinous crimes have no place in a civilized society.