Zimbabwe serial killer linked to 19 murder cases

A chilling account of a year-long crime spree in Guruve district unfolded in the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday, as 33-year-old Anymore Zvitsva faced eight counts of murder covering 19 victims - mostly women - as well as two counts of attempted murder and two counts of rape.

Zvitsva, who is receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, was remanded in custody from his hospital bed before Provincial Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe. He was not asked to plead, with the court noting that only the High Court could entertain a bail application for such serious offences. The remand hearing was postponed to January 19, 2026, for his formal indictment.

Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe presented a harrowing chronology of Zvitsva's alleged crimes, which began in March 2025 in Rangwani Village. The first incident involved Jane Dube, who was reportedly bludgeoned to death with an iron rod after fleeing into a maize field during a robbery.

A month later, on a farm in Nyakapupu, Zvitsva allegedly confronted Modester Isaac while she herded cattle. He reportedly forced her into the bush, raped her, and then strangled and hanged her with a wire, with villagers discovering her body the following day.

The court heard that similar attacks followed over the months, with victims ambushed in their homes or while performing daily tasks. Among them were Alice Marangarire, Elisha Dickens Chikwavarara, and Dudzai Mazuvaawanda, who were all killed in October.

On November 30, 2025, three victims - Megina Chizema, Stacey Pulango, and Allet Kavhura - were allegedly strangled to death with a snare wire in their home in Nyakapupu. Days later, on December 9, Pamela Chipangura, Kudzai Chipangura, Tawanda Jariwa, and Tadiwanashe Marasika were similarly killed, with Marasika also being raped before her death.

On December 13, 2025, Fortune Mwazha survived an attack in Zvivindi Business Centre after Zvitsva broke into her home, strangled her unconscious with a wire snare, and stole groceries. Her survival proved pivotal in the investigation leading to his arrest.

Further alleged attacks included the killing of four people at Wona Farm on December 14 and the murder and rape of Saujati Matora and Shallome Malunga in Bosha Village on December 22. In the latter incident, Mavis Malunga survived by hiding under a bed.

Prosecutors painted a picture of a methodical and brutal perpetrator who used knives, spears, and wire snares to carry out his attacks, targeting victims in their homes and while performing routine activities.

Zvitsva's case has shocked the Guruve community and is being closely monitored as the legal process unfolds. The next court session is set for January 19, when formal charges will be read, and further proceedings will determine the path to trial.