Fear grips Chitungwiza as murder cases surge

A wave of fear has swept through Chitungwiza, particularly the high-density suburbs of Zengeza and St Mary's, following a disturbing rise in murders allegedly linked to muggings over the past two months.

Residents report that more than three people have been killed and several others injured in brutal attacks carried out by suspected criminal gangs, turning streets that were once lively into no-go zones, especially during early mornings and late nights.

In one of the latest incidents, Simbarashe Kampira, popularly known as Jibha, of Danga Street in Zengeza 1, died at Chitungwiza Hospital last Thursday morning after sustaining severe injuries in an assault near Forward Shopping Centre in St Mary's.

Earlier incidents include the death of Munyaradzi Sibanda of Nhunguru Street, Zengeza 2, found dead just two houses from his home in mid-December, and another victim, only identified as Dee, discovered dead along Mukombe Street in the same area weeks prior.

Residents have raised serious concerns about gang activity stretching from Huruyadzo to Manyame Complex at Zengeza turn-off, with hotspots including the Zesa corridor into Mbaura Street, Rufaro Road, Huruyadzo and Chigovanyika shopping centres, Ingwe Drive, and Chitungwiza Road.

Eyewitnesses said gangs move in groups of seven to ten individuals, targeting unsuspecting pedestrians during early morning and late evening hours, exploiting poor lighting and limited police patrols.

"I had just left Zengeza 2 shops when about four guys approached me. They grabbed me and held me tightly. I don't know how I managed it, but I broke free and started running. They chased after me, and I ran for my dear life. I managed to escape, but I lost my mobile phone in the process," one survivor recounted.

Residents said daily life has become a constant exercise in caution. "You think twice before leaving the house. Even when you are going to work early in the morning, you feel like you are gambling with your life," said Gerald Phiri from St Mary's.

Informal traders, late-shift workers, and early commuters have been particularly affected. "Some of us have no choice. We have to go to work early or come back late," said a Zengeza 2 resident. "After these killings in December, leaving the house feels like a risk every day."

Community members have linked the surge in violent crime to substance abuse, particularly the use of crystal meth, locally known as Dombo or Mutoriro. The drug, widely abused among youths in Chitungwiza, is said to induce excessive energy and aggression, contributing to violent behaviour.

St Mary's Member of Parliament Brighton Mazhindu described the situation as "deeply worrying and unacceptable." He said he had engaged law enforcement and local leadership to implement coordinated measures to restore security.

"We must act decisively. This includes strengthening patrols, improving lighting in crime hotspots, and supporting community-led safety initiatives," Mazhindu said.

In a proactive step, Mazhindu and Ward 3 Councillor Foster Chabuka convened an emergency community meeting attended by over 200 residents to provide information that could aid ongoing investigations. The meeting led to the identification of suspects who were forwarded to the police, and residents resolved to establish a neighbourhood watch committee to assist law enforcement.

The insecurity has also impacted local nightlife, with patrons leaving clubs and beer outlets earlier than usual. Residents are calling for visible policing, better street lighting, and swift justice to curb the wave of violence.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to receive a full report from Chitungwiza authorities but promised to share updates once available.

The community remains on edge, with residents urging authorities to act before the violence escalates further.