MILLICENT HUNGWE
Chikombedzi- What was meant to be a solemn gathering to mourn a loved one turned into a horrific night of bloodshed and grief, as Sithokozike Siwawa (46) and Virginia Mahlanza (64) were brutally murdered and two others injured in a chilling attack at the Siwawa homestead under Chief Gezani on August 3 by an unknown attacker.
Masvingo Province ZRP Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said that villagers had gathered for a funeral vigil at the home of Siwawa in Mukovo Village, after the passing of a family member whose body was still at Chiredzi General Hospital Mortuary.
As the church service ended, most mourners left the homestead, leaving only close relatives by the fire.
Around 10 PM, an unknown man emerged from the darkness, wielding a torch in one hand and a sharp object in the other.
Witnesses say he shouted “Hiwena lin’a bako” meaning “you are the one I want” before launching a violent and targeted attack on Sithokozile, stabbing her in the neck, she collapsed near the fire and died instantly in a pool of blood.
Rachel Siwawa, in a desperate attempt to help her sister, was stabbed in the back, she fled for her life.
Moments later, her brother Elisha tried to intervene and was also stabbed before managing to escape.
The attacker then turned on to Mahlanza, a close family friend from Bhatiti Village under Chief Mupapa, who had been asleep near the fireplace.
She was stabbed twice in the back and on the head and lost consciousness.
In the confusion and darkness, Mahlanza went unnoticed, it wasn’t until the next morning, August 4, that she was found barely alive about 20 metres from the fire.
She was rushed to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital and later transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital due to her critical condition, sadly, she succumbed to her injuries on August 5 at 5 AM.
The two injured survivors remain admitted in a stable condition at Chikombedzi Mission Hospital.
The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, fled the scene under the cover of night.
Inspector Dhewa urges the public for any information that may lead to his arrest.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing justice to the grieving families,” said Dhewa.
