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Midlands Bureau

IN a disturbing incident that shocked the community, a 35-year-old man believed to be struggling with mental health issues brutally killed two men with stones in broad daylight at Manoti Village, Gokwe South District.

According to Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the tragic incident occurred on Thursday around 5 pm near Batanai Roman Catholic Church.

He said the incident was sparked by a request from the victims Shekem Muromo (58) and Bonface Gwatiringa (60) for the murder suspect Obvious Ngwazani to put on a shirt, which seemingly triggered a violent and deadly response.

“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms investigating two cases of murder in which a 35-year-old suspected mentally challenged man stoned two people to death. The incident occurred on July 17 around 5 pm near Batanai Roman Catholic church in Manoti, Gokwe,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Muromo and Gwatiringa were on their way home from Manoti Business centre when they saw the suspect Ngwazani sitting by the roadside without a shirt.

“They ordered him to put on his shirt.  This did not go down well with Ngwazani who charged towards the two, armed with a stone and struck Shekemu once on the head and he fell down and died instantly. He further charged towards Gwatiringa, picked stones which he used to strike him several times. He fell down and died as well,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the murders occurred in the eyes of a Roman Catholic Priest who reported the matter to the police.

“The scene was attended and the two bodies were conveyed to Gokwe South District hospital.

“We urge members of the public who have relatives who are mentally challenged to take them under medication as guided by medical practioners or mental institutions,” he said.