Eight Arrested for Brutal Murder of Artisanal Miner Over US$2,800 Dispute
SHURUGWI – Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Francis Mazarire, an artisanal miner, following a violent dispute over stolen money amounting to US$2,800. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests and said five additional suspects remain at large.
According to Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the suspects include Tafadzwa Mashove (34) of Athlone in Gweru, Simbarashe Maroora (42) of Maroora village under Chief Ndanga in Shurugwi, Clain Mafa (23) of Neshuro village in Mwenezi, Noah Musemwa (36) of village 1 in Ruchanyu, Linos Muzanarwo (42) and Talent Manjuzu (29) of Manjuzu village under Chief Munyaradzi in Gutu, Passmore Hobo (42) of Gandiwa village under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe, and Melusi Mataruse (23) of Marongwe village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
Mahoko said Mazarire allegedly stole the money from Mashove’s cabin while Mashove was away, spending US$800 on his girlfriend before fleeing to Lalapanzi. On November 2, Mashove reportedly teamed up with twelve others to track down Mazarire, who admitted to the theft and reckless spending.
The group allegedly tortured Mazarire, assaulting him and pouring hot water on his body. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Shurugwi District Hospital.
Police are continuing investigations and have urged the remaining five suspects to surrender. Authorities reiterated the importance of resolving disputes through legal channels and condemned the use of violence as a form of retaliation.
