Latest News Editor's Choice


News / National

Trio arrested over fatal chicken slaughter revenge

by Gideon Madzikatidze
18 Sep 2025 at 19:23hrs | 1,494 Views
LOWER GWERU - The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Gweru have arrested three compound villagers who are suspected to have killed and burnt two children beyond recognition following arguments with their parents over slaughtering chicken.

In a statement, Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko announced that they received information linking three murder suspects which to led  the arrest of Chiedza Siziba, James Mativenga and Abel.

"Police are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of sudden death after two children were mysteriously burnt to death by fire on 19 August 2025, at around 2100 hours, at Mahalape Compound, Watershed Farm, Gwenhoro Road in Gweru. The case was being treated as sudden death by fire and fresh evidence have led to the arrest of three suspects," Mahoko said.

"On 19 August 2025, at around 2100 hours, Everjoy Mangena, a female aged 13 and Natasha Kanyama, a female aged five, were sleeping in their hut. Their parents were sleeping in a separate bedroom hut. On 20 August 2025 at around 0000 hours, the parents,  Munyaradzi Chizhanga and his wife were awakened by voices of their children who were calling for help," Mahoko added.

Inspector Mahoko added that the two (parents) quickly went outside only to find the hut where their children were sleeping engulfed in flames, whereupon the two and their neighbours made efforts to break the door and put off the fire using water but in vein. A report was made at ZRP Gweru Rural and the scene was attendant after the children were burnt beyond recognition.

"The dead bodies were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital Mortuary awaiting post mortem. On 15 September 2025, Police received information linking three suspects to the case and that the suspects had fled to Sherwood area in Kwekwe," Mahoko said.

"A follow-up was done leading to their arrest, they are Chiedza Siziba, James Mativenga and Abel. It is alleged the suspects had had some disgruntlements with the now deceased children's parents over slaughtering some chickens," Mahoko added.

Inspector Mahoko said that the evidence is being sought so as to prefer charges of Murder and take the suspects to court.

Source - Byo24News