Police release image of suspect in Guruve family massacre

Police have released a photograph of a 32-year-old man wanted in connection with the killing of five members of the same family in Guruve, Mashonaland Central, and who is also a suspect in three other murder cases.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, police appealed to the public for information that may lead to the arrest of Anymore Zvitsva, also known as "Modho". Zvitsva is from Bangira Village, Mutsami Kraal, under Chief Chipuriro in Guruve.

Zvitsva is accused of carrying out a brutal attack on December 11 at Plot 9, Ona Farm, in which five relatives were killed. The victims were identified as Grace Zvitsva (66), Loice Chiringaushe (37), Takudzwa Kariva (5), Tatenda Chirenje (2) and Tendai Zvitsva (40).

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victims included a grandmother, her adult daughter, two young grandchildren and another family member. Five other children who were sleeping in a separate room during the attack escaped unharmed.

According to police, a neighbour raised the alarm after hearing disturbances coming from the homestead. Tendai Zvitsva was found alive but critically injured and was rushed to Guruve Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The bodies of the other four victims were discovered inside the house.

Police have also linked the suspect to three other murder cases in Zimuna Village, under Chief Bepura. In those cases, Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura and Tawanda Chipangura were killed in a separate incident that is still under investigation.

An extensive manhunt has since been launched, with police deploying drone surveillance, Support Unit officers, Criminal Investigation Department detectives, canine units, horse patrols and intelligence operatives. Authorities believe the suspect may be hiding in forested and mountainous areas around Guruve.

Commissioner Nyathi said the motive behind the killings remains unclear. However, police previously indicated that the suspect is believed to be suffering from mental health challenges, and he urged families and communities not to ignore individuals showing signs of severe mental instability.

"Such cases should be referred to health facilities, social welfare offices or the police for professional intervention," he said.

Police have warned members of the public not to approach the suspect and assured citizens that any information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.

Anyone with information that may assist police in locating or arresting Zvitsva has been urged to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703 631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or the Officer Commanding Guruve District on +263 71 901 9093 or +263 77 393 1930.