News / National
Human rights group condemns 'grossly barbaric' Nkayi murder
03 Jan 2026 at 16:30hrs |
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The Progressive Zimbabweans Foundation (PZF), a militant human‑rights pressure group, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Nkayi resident Reason Bhebhe, describing the incident as a shocking act of violence committed with impunity.
In a statement, PZF said it was “enraged” by the murder, which occurred in Nkayi under the constituency of ZANU‑PF MP Sithembiso Nyoni.
“We are enraged by the cold‑blooded killing of our comrade and brother, Mr Reason Bhebhe, whose life was violently taken in an act of lawlessness, brutality and impunity,” the organisation said.
PZF named the alleged perpetrator as Owen Siwela — also known as Nkomo or Ngwenya — who is accused of committing the crime together with his two sons.
“The alleged perpetrator, together with his two sons, carried out this heinous crime with total disregard for human life and justice,” the group said.
PZF said the killing was not an isolated case but part of a wider pattern of violence and silence in rural communities, where vulnerable people are often left without protection.
“Let it be known: this is not an isolated incident, but part of a systemic culture of violence, silence and protection of criminals, especially in rural communities where the poor are left defenceless. We refuse to be silent,” the statement added.
The organisation demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects, warning against any attempts at political shielding or delays.
“There must be no cover‑ups, no political shielding and no delays. Justice delayed is justice denied,” PZF said.
The group urged community members with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to report to the nearest police station, particularly Gwelushena Main Police Station in Nkayi.
“We further warn: the blood of Reason Bhebhe will not be forgotten. The struggle for justice continues until the perpetrators are brought before the law. Human life is not cheap, and impunity will be resisted,” the organisation said.
Sources indicate that Bhebhe was axed multiple times across the body before being dragged for about 300 metres from the initial attack site. The suspects reportedly fled their home and are believed to have crossed into South Africa.
In a statement, PZF said it was “enraged” by the murder, which occurred in Nkayi under the constituency of ZANU‑PF MP Sithembiso Nyoni.
“We are enraged by the cold‑blooded killing of our comrade and brother, Mr Reason Bhebhe, whose life was violently taken in an act of lawlessness, brutality and impunity,” the organisation said.
PZF named the alleged perpetrator as Owen Siwela — also known as Nkomo or Ngwenya — who is accused of committing the crime together with his two sons.
“The alleged perpetrator, together with his two sons, carried out this heinous crime with total disregard for human life and justice,” the group said.
PZF said the killing was not an isolated case but part of a wider pattern of violence and silence in rural communities, where vulnerable people are often left without protection.
The organisation demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects, warning against any attempts at political shielding or delays.
“There must be no cover‑ups, no political shielding and no delays. Justice delayed is justice denied,” PZF said.
The group urged community members with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to report to the nearest police station, particularly Gwelushena Main Police Station in Nkayi.
“We further warn: the blood of Reason Bhebhe will not be forgotten. The struggle for justice continues until the perpetrators are brought before the law. Human life is not cheap, and impunity will be resisted,” the organisation said.
Sources indicate that Bhebhe was axed multiple times across the body before being dragged for about 300 metres from the initial attack site. The suspects reportedly fled their home and are believed to have crossed into South Africa.
Source - Byo24news
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