Gutu Horror: Man Arrested for Rape and Double Murder, Including Child

By Staff Reporter

GUTU/HARARE – A wave of shock and outrage has swept through Makurumidze Village in Gutu, Masvingo, following the arrest of Tongai Chirume (35) for the brutal rape and murder of his sister and her four-year-old daughter. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest in a press statement released on March 22nd, 2025.

According to the ZRP, Chirume visited his sister, Mercy Chirume (33), at their late parents’ residence on March 1st, 2025. He allegedly deceived her, claiming a prophet had instructed him to sexually assault her to cleanse the family of evil spirits. After raping her twice, Mercy Chirume threatened to report him to the police. In a horrific escalation, Chirume is alleged to have stabbed her to death with a kitchen knife. He then attempted to rape her four-year-old daughter, Isabel Fadzai Machote, before strangling her and dumping her body in an open well.

Police apprehended Chirume at his homestead in Drawmore Farm, Masvingo, on March 18th, 2025, following a tip-off. They have recovered the knife used in the murder, but the stolen cellphone remains missing.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Tongai Chirume (35) in connection with cases of rape and murder which occurred at Makurumidze Village, Gutu, Masvingo, on 1st March 2025,” stated Commissioner Nyathi.P in the press release.

The community is reeling from the heinous crime, and police investigations are ongoing.

Separate Incident: Armed Robber Escapes from Harare Magistrate Court

In a separate and alarming incident, the ZRP has launched a manhunt for Luke Zinyengere (29), who escaped from lawful custody at the Harare Magistrate Court on March 21st, 2025. Zinyengere allegedly used a pistol to rob a Mazda Demio vehicle and flee after a shootout with prison officers.

“The Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Luke Zinyengere (29) who used a pistol and robbed a vehicle to escape from the court after engaging in a shootout with prison officers,” Commissioner Nyathi.P confirmed.

The ZRP has assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape. They have promised to release further details as they become available. The public is urged to exercise caution and report any information regarding Zinyengere’s whereabouts to the nearest police station.