Guruve on Lockdown as Police Hunt Suspect Linked to Fresh Killings
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified security operations in Guruve following the murder of two more people on Monday, deepening fears in a community already shaken by a string of killings.
Police have named Anymore Zvitsva as the prime suspect, linking him to the latest deaths and to several earlier cases in the area.
“I want to assure Zimbabweans that ZRP has made comprehensive deployments in Guruve to look for the suspect Anymore Zvitsva,” said ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, as authorities moved to contain the situation.
The most recent victims were identified as Alice Saujati Mayora (40) and her 16-year-old daughter, Shalom Malunga.
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Their deaths come against the backdrop of earlier killings that have unsettled Mashonaland Central, including the murder of five members of the Zvitsva family at Ona Farm on December 11.
Zvitsva is also wanted in connection with the deaths of a 55-year-old woman and a six‑month‑old infant, whose bodies were discovered at Farm 88 in Nyakapupu, Guruve, on December 18, according to police.
According to ZBC News there was a heavy security presence across parts of Guruve, with police officers conducting patrols alongside members of the Zimbabwe National Army.
“As we speak, we have deployed police officers and other members of the security services who are conducting patrols, surveillance, and stop and searches in order to make sure that we arrest the suspect who has been identified,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“We have put in place some strategies, some of which we cannot review at the moment, to make sure that we leave no stone unturned.”
Police say extraordinary measures are being taken to protect residents, particularly women and children.
“For the safety of the villagers, we are now mobilising the people in Korobe to sleep in groups so that we safeguard lives,” Nyathi added.
Authorities are also investigating a disturbing claim that a list of potential targets is circulating in the community.
“We are fully aware of the list which was allegedly found and pinned on a scotch cart—names of 100 women and 50 girls,” Nyathi said.
“The police are verifying the authenticity of the list, given allegations that some of the people on the list have already been killed.”
As the manhunt continues, police issued a stern warning to anyone suspected of assisting the fugitive.
“Anyone who could possibly be working with the suspect should know that their days are numbered,” Nyathi said.
