A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing two worshippers during an all-night prayer service in Chikombedzi last week.
The suspect, Liberty Sibanda, faces two charges of murder and two of attempted murder.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed that Sibanda has appeared in court and was remanded in custody until 21 August. Said Det-Insp Muteweri:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Liberty Sibanda in connection with a double murder that occurred at Mashavele Village, Chief Gezani, Chikombedzi, on August 3, 2025.
“Circumstances are that the victims were attending an all-night prayer vigil in honour of their departed relative when tragedy befell them.
“As the victims were warming themselves at the fireplace, the suspect bolted out of his room before stabbing one of the victims once on the neck with a sharp object in unclear circumstances.
“In an act of bravery, two other victims attempted to rescue the victim from further attack but were each stabbed once in the back forcing them to back off.
“They were rushed to the hospital where they were treated and discharged.
“Meanwhile, another victim was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to injuries sustained from stab wound inflicted by the suspect.
“The suspect has since been arrested for two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder charges.
“He appeared at Chikombedzi Magistrates Court on Thursday where he was remanded in custody to August 21, 2025.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to urge members of the public to refrain from the use of violence and find amicable ways to resolve their differences.”
The incident occurred on the same day as a shocking attack at a funeral gathering in Mukuwo Village, Chikombedzi, where a woman was stabbed and killed and three others were injured.
According to the ZRP, the attack took place on 3 August 2025, when an unidentified suspect stormed the funeral and stabbed 46-year-old Sithokozile Siwawa to death.
The assailant then attacked three mourners who tried to intervene, stabbing them before fleeing into the night.
The victim’s body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Two of the injured were treated at Chikombedzi Mission Hospital, while the third was transferred to Masvingo General Hospital for further care.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward at the nearest police station.
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