News / National
Sexworker 'murdered' over US$500
05 Jun 2025 at 10:08hrs | Views
Police in Mberengwa have launched a manhunt for two men wanted in connection with the brutal murder of 20-year-old sex worker Viola Hove, whose body was found in an abandoned house five days after she went missing.
The suspects, identified as Manyaya Muvhecha and Shepherd Mhundoga of Jumbo 79 Mine in Mberengwa, are accused of assaulting and murdering Hove following a dispute over a missing US$500.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to the Masvingo Mirror and appealed to members of the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the two fugitives.
According to police reports, Muvhecha and Mhundoga hired the services of Hove and another woman, Kudzanai Machipisa (20), on the night of May 9, 2025. The two women accompanied the men to the mine for a sleepover.
The following morning, an argument broke out between one of the men and Hove, whom he accused of stealing US$500. A neighbor reportedly intervened and advised that the matter be reported to the police. Muvhecha and Mhundoga subsequently filed a theft report against Hove.
However, shortly after the report was made, Hove went missing. Concerned by her disappearance, her sister, Previous Hove (32), filed a missing person report with the police.
On May 15, following a tip-off, police discovered Hove's lifeless body in an abandoned house at Village 4, Dunning Farm, under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa. Authorities confirmed that the body bore signs of physical assault.
Since the discovery, Muvhecha and Mhundoga have disappeared and remain on the run. Police say they are wanted for questioning in connection with Hove's death.
"We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station," said Inspector Mahoko.
The murder has sparked outrage in the local community, with calls for justice and greater protection for vulnerable women, particularly sex workers who often operate in dangerous and unregulated environments.
Investigations are ongoing.
The suspects, identified as Manyaya Muvhecha and Shepherd Mhundoga of Jumbo 79 Mine in Mberengwa, are accused of assaulting and murdering Hove following a dispute over a missing US$500.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to the Masvingo Mirror and appealed to members of the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the two fugitives.
According to police reports, Muvhecha and Mhundoga hired the services of Hove and another woman, Kudzanai Machipisa (20), on the night of May 9, 2025. The two women accompanied the men to the mine for a sleepover.
The following morning, an argument broke out between one of the men and Hove, whom he accused of stealing US$500. A neighbor reportedly intervened and advised that the matter be reported to the police. Muvhecha and Mhundoga subsequently filed a theft report against Hove.
On May 15, following a tip-off, police discovered Hove's lifeless body in an abandoned house at Village 4, Dunning Farm, under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa. Authorities confirmed that the body bore signs of physical assault.
Since the discovery, Muvhecha and Mhundoga have disappeared and remain on the run. Police say they are wanted for questioning in connection with Hove's death.
"We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station," said Inspector Mahoko.
The murder has sparked outrage in the local community, with calls for justice and greater protection for vulnerable women, particularly sex workers who often operate in dangerous and unregulated environments.
Investigations are ongoing.
Source - Mirror
