Guruve murder suspect arrested following nationwide manhunt

Zimbabwe police have arrested a man accused of murdering five members of the same family in Guruve, following a swift and coordinated operation that relied on public assistance.

The suspect, 32-year-old Anymore Zvitsva, also known as "Modho," was wanted in connection with the brutal killings at Plot 9, Ona Farm, on December 11, which claimed the lives of Grace Zvitsva, 66, Loice Chiringaushe, 37, Takudzwa Kariva, 5, Tatenda Chirenje, 2, and Tendai Zvitsva, 40. The victims included a grandmother, her adult daughter, two young grandchildren, and another family member. Five other children in the house managed to escape unharmed.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi praised the public for sharing the suspect's photograph, which played a crucial role in his capture. He explained that a neighbour raised the alarm after hearing disturbances at the homestead. Tendai Zvitsva, initially found alive, later died at Guruve Hospital, while the remaining victims were discovered dead inside the house.

Zvitsva was also linked to three other murders in Zimuna Village under Chief Bepura, involving Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura, and Tawanda Chipangura, in cases still under investigation. Police had launched an extensive manhunt deploying drone surveillance, Support Unit officers, CID detectives, canine units, horse patrols, and intelligence operatives, amid fears that the suspect was hiding in forested and mountainous areas around Guruve.

The motive for the killings remains unclear. However, police indicated that Zvitsva is believed to have mental health challenges and urged families and communities to report individuals showing signs of severe mental instability to health facilities, social welfare offices, or the police for professional intervention.

Authorities emphasized that the public should not approach the suspect and assured that all information would be treated confidentially. Anyone with information on Zvitsva's movements or whereabouts was advised to contact the National Complaints Desk, the Officer Commanding Guruve District, or via WhatsApp.

The prompt arrest highlights the effectiveness of public cooperation and proactive police measures in resolving high-profile criminal cases.