The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has laid bare the cold-blooded murder of two children in Zaka, accusing their 29-year-old uncle of showing utter depravity by luring them to a mountain, sexually assaulting the 14-year-old girl in front of her 9-year-old cousin and then killing them both to cover his tracks.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Obedience Makonye.
The victims, Elizabeth Munetsi (14) and Shepherd Makonye (9), were heading home from school on 26 January 2026 when they were allegedly led to Gondora Mountain.
“The suspect allegedly lured his niece and cousin to the mountain where he allegedly sexually abused the female juvenile in the presence of the cousin. “The suspect went on to kill both victims in an effort to conceal the offence,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Makonye was arrested on 27 January 2026 after, according to police, “confessing to the heinous incident.” The bodies were later located at the site, and a kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon was recovered.
The case has sent shockwaves through the province, which was already reeling from two other tragedies.
In Chiredzi, police are investigating the murder of four-year-old Steadfast Makondo, an ECD A learner found dead with multiple bruises on January 27 after going missing on his way from school.
Simultaneously, police in Ngundu are probing a drowning incident at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam that claimed the lives of Leona Zendekanyi (26) and three-year-old Saint Munyaradzi on January 28 after a boat capsized.
Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning, urging parents and guardians to take full responsibility for the safety of their children, particularly primary and ECD learners, by accompanying them to and from school.
He further cautioned the public against unsafe water activities, urging them to “avoid overloading boats, ensure the use of proper safety equipment and exercise caution.”
