Fear lingers in despite arrest of suspected serial killer

Fear still hangs heavily over villages in Guruve, with residents saying life has not returned to normal despite the arrest of suspected serial killer Anymore Zvitsva earlier this month.

Even during the day, villagers walk cautiously, greeting strangers with suspicion, while nights have become a time of anxiety rather than rest, as families remain alert and fearful of further attacks.

Zvitsva was arrested on January 2 following a wave of brutal killings that claimed up to 19 lives in the Guruve community. His capture followed a massive security operation involving soldiers, Police Support Unit officers and other security agencies.

While the arrest brought some relief, many residents believe the suspect did not act alone and fear that other perpetrators could still be at large.

When journalists recently visited the area, they were met with suspicion, with villagers demanding to see accreditation cards. Only after confirming their identities did residents relax, a clear sign of how deeply fear has taken root.

Daily life in the community has been severely disrupted. Some homes have been abandoned, while families whose children work in towns or abroad have moved elderly parents to live with them for safety. Those who remain have imposed informal curfews, with bars closing early and men rushing home before sunset to guard their families.

In some households, two or three families now sleep together, believing there is safety in numbers.

The community is also grappling with deep grief. Some families lost multiple relatives, while others mourn mothers, daughters and sisters. The sense of peace that once defined rural life in Guruve has been shattered.

One of the most traumatic incidents occurred on the night of December 22 in Bhosha village, Magaya area, where a woman and her daughter were killed in their home. A younger child survived by hiding, later alerting others.

The eldest son of the deceased, Webster Malunga (23), has since quit his job in Harare and returned to the family homestead.

"I had hoped to come home and celebrate Christmas with my family," he said. "Instead, we buried my mother and sister. I quit my job to come back and look after what my mother had left behind. Now I stay here alone."

Village head Alpha Marowa of Chikokonya area under Chief Chipuriro said fear remains widespread.

"Villagers are extremely suspicious. While we are relieved that the suspect was arrested, we are not settled. Many believe he was part of a syndicate," Marowa said.

Eighty-two-year-old Karikoti Chabvuta echoed the same sentiments, saying it was difficult to believe the suspect acted alone.

"These crimes happened across the district and targeted vulnerable people, especially women. How would he have known all these homesteads without help?" he asked.

Fear has also forced villagers to abandon normal routines. Some avoid travelling through bushy areas, while others no longer attend church regularly. Young boys have stopped herding cattle in distant grazing lands, and farming patterns have changed, with some fields left unploughed due to safety concerns.

Children's education has also been affected. In Mahere village, Chikokonya area, villagers have established a makeshift school within the community to prevent children from walking long distances. The school, which opens this week, has enrolled 15 pupils and operates from a temporary two-roomed structure.

Teacher and school founder Tonderai Nyambuvi said the initiative was driven by parents' fears.

"They did not want their children travelling far after the murders. This school is meant to keep them safe," he said.

Residents also point to the discovery of a list of names believed to be targeted victims, mostly vulnerable women, as further evidence that the suspect may have had accomplices.

One woman whose name appeared on the list, 60-year-old Zviringe Chahwanda, said she was forced to flee her home.

"When I saw my name, I panicked and left my house. I still don't understand who compiled that list and why," she said.

However, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations are ongoing and have not been limited to the arrested suspect.

"We have broadened our investigations to establish whether Anymore Zvitsva was working alone or with others," he said. "If evidence points to accomplices, the law will take its course."

For now, Guruve villagers remain on edge, waiting not only for justice, but for reassurance that true peace will one day return to their community.