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Snr Asst Comm Charity Charamba

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have launched an investigation into the killing of four sisters in Gokwe whom they suspect were burnt using either petrol or diesel.

The siblings were killed last Friday at Chirima Village under Chief Mukoka area in Gokwe South.

The deceased have been identified as Peculiar aged four and Princess aged 13 as well as Preference aged 15 and Progress aged 18. The unknown assailants, according to the family members, went away with the heads of their four victims after dismembering them.

The other one, Privilege in her 20s and married, escaped.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident yesterday.

“We have received a report of the murder that happened at Chirima village in Gokwe. Our officers from the Criminal Investigations Department attended the scene and investigations are underway,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the bodies were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for postmortem.

“This is very sad and touching. Honestly, I find it hard to understand what one would benefit from killing a four-year-old. What score does a person have to settle with a toddler?” she asked.

She said police were alerted by neighbours in the early hours of Friday who saw a hut on fire and failed to put it out.

“During investigations, our officers gathered that there was a container with petrol and a stick with cloth wrapped around its end, which we suspect could have been used to torch the hut,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She urged members of the public to assist the police with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“We are appealing to anyone with any information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects to inform any nearest police station. The public should work hand in hand with the police so that we can rid society of the bad apples among us,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

The motive for the killings is not known yet, but the family — identified only as the Dlomos — suspects that the four lost their lives in a ritual murder.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the girls were alone at the homestead as their parents were in South Africa. She urged parents to ensure that children were under the care of responsible adults at all times. “This is unfortunate, however parents should always ensure that if due to certain circumstances they cannot be with their children, they should then ensure that children, especially girls, are left in the care of a responsible guardian as it is unsafe to leave them alone,” said the police spokesperson.

Chief Mukoka yesterday told The Chronicle that 10 beasts were also axed at the homestead.

He said he was yet to meet the family. Mourners are gathered at the Dlomo homestead in Chirima Village and funeral arrangements are underway.

@andile_tshuma