Teacher found dead with crushed head

Residents of Magamba suburb in Rusape are living in fear following the brutal killing of a local high school teacher whose body was discovered with fatal head injuries in what police are treating as a suspected murder.

The victim, Norman Guri, a teacher at Mavhudzi High School, was found dead on Saturday morning a few metres from his home. His body was discovered lying in a pool of blood after he allegedly suffered severe head injuries inflicted with large stones found at the scene.

Police have launched investigations into the killing, although no arrests had been announced by the time of publication.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not immediately be reached for comment.

Rusape Town Council Ward 4 councillor and council chairman Lovemore Chifomboti, who was among the first people to arrive at the scene, described the incident as deeply disturbing and said it had left residents fearful for their safety.

"I was among the first people to arrive at the scene. His head had been crushed by large rocks. He died a few metres from his house. It was a sad and disturbing scene because Mr Guri was a good person. He was a teacher who also had a thriving horticulture project at his home. Following his brutal murder, residents of Magamba are now living in fear," Chifomboti said.

The victim's sister, Annah Guri, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss.

"We are failing to come to terms with our brother's death. How could anyone do such a thing to him? If they wanted to rob him, they could have spared his life. We hope the police will bring those responsible to justice and give our family closure," she said.

Mr Guri's body is expected to be taken to Harare for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward. No motive for the killing has yet been established.