Rapist murderers jailed for life

Three men have been handed lengthy prison sentences by the High Court in Bulawayo after being convicted in separate murder cases, including two men who attacked and killed a woman on her way to a church service.

According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Quinton Sibanda (18) and Kamuelo Moyo (20), both from Dombolidenje Village under Chief Sitaudze in Beitbridge, were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murder.

CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the pair targeted the woman while she was travelling to attend a church service.

The court heard that the two men robbed the victim of her cellphone before sexually assaulting her. They later killed her and concealed her body near a footpath before fleeing the scene.

Following investigations, the suspects were arrested and brought before the Bulawayo High Court, where Justice Naison Chivhayo presided over the matter. Prosecutor Ellen Kanengoni represented the State.

"The accused persons were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment," said Det-Insp Muteweri.

In a separate case, the Bulawayo High Court sentenced Method Zhou (29), of Chief Mudavanhu in Mberengwa, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife.

Justice Naison Chivhayo presided over the trial, while the State was represented by prosecutor Caroline Mabhena.

According to police, the case stemmed from a domestic dispute linked to allegations of infidelity. The offence came to light after relatives and acquaintances became concerned when they were unable to contact the victim and reported her missing.

Investigations led to Zhou's arrest in Mberengwa on January 25, 2025. Police said he subsequently assisted investigators in locating the victim's remains in a bushy area along the Mjeni River.

In another matter, Simbarashe Zvenyika (41), of Muhlasi Village under Chief Nyangazonke in Kezi, was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of murder.

Justice Ngoni Nduna presided over the case, with Khumbulani Nyoni appearing for the State.

Police said Zvenyika and the victim had been involved in a long-running dispute centred on allegations of infidelity. Following the fatal attack, he fled the area and went into hiding in Gokwe before being tracked down and arrested by investigators.

Det-Insp Muteweri said the convictions demonstrate the effectiveness of police investigations and the justice system's commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.

The sentences bring closure to the affected families while underscoring the courts' tough stance on serious violent crimes.