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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter

POLICE have expressed concern over the increasing number of murder cases being recorded under the Level Four national lockdown when most people are expected to stay at home.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said some of the cases are a result of domestic disputes while others are emanating from gold related squabbles.

He said two of the cases were recorded on Monday.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses concern over murder cases being committed during this lockdown period. Most of these cases are emanating from petty disputes caused by criminals who lack respect for the sanctity of human life. In one such case which occurred at Gaths Park Mine in Zhombe (Midlands) on 25 January 2021 at around 8AM, a 30-year-old man was fatally assaulted by six accused persons using knives and machetes after a dispute over gold ore,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“In Binga Matabeleland North, at Creche Hill, a 23-year-old woman was found dead along a footpath after a domestic dispute with her husband. The deceased had a deep cut on the throat and on the chin. It is suspected that the victim was sexually abused and thereafter murdered.”

He said in another case a 76-year-old granny was killed by her grandson on witchcraft allegations.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police have also resolved an almost two -year older murder case after a 26-year-old man from Bulawayo was found dead on the side of the road in Old Magwegwe on April 18 2019.

He said cops arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the death of the deceased and has since appeared in court.

Asst Comm Nyathi urged the public to solve differences amicably.

“The ZRP urges members of the public to shun resorting to violence as means of solving disputes. They should not take the law into their hands but report to the law enforcement agencies or approach third parties for assistance to resolve conflicts,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

-@nqotshili