Villager found dead after stock theft assault
TRAGEDY struck Mashakwari Village under Chief Musikavanhu after the decomposing body of a 35-year-old man was discovered in his home, days after he was allegedly assaulted by seven men over accusations of stock theft.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, and identified the deceased as Navela Matoro.
He said police have arrested three suspects – Trymore Sigauke, Simbarashe Sigauke, and Ernest Sithole – while efforts are underway to locate the remaining four, who are still at large.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said on June 21, 2025 at around 8am seven men went to Matoro’s homestead, accusing him of stealing their donkeys.
Upon finding that he was not at home, they reportedly followed him to the fields where he was working alone.
“The seven suspects followed him to the fields, where they found him alone, tied his hands, and took turns assaulting him with open hands. After the assault, they took him to the village head, Mr Mwanyisa, to report the matter, and he was later released,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Later that same day, Matoro is said to have visited his father’s home and informed him about the assault before returning to his residence, where he lived alone.
On June 29, Tatenda Mutetwa (29), Matoro’s neighbhour, detected a strong smell coming from Matoro’s bedroom, and upon investigating, he discovered flies swarming the door and immediately alerted the village head.
When they gained entry into the house, they found Matoro’s body lying face-down in a decomposing state.
The matter was reported to ZRP Chisumbanje, who attended the scene.
Visible bruises were observed on the deceased’s eyes, elbow, left ear, and back. The body was taken to St Peter’s Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
Police investigations are ongoing, and three suspects have since been apprehended.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged community members not to take the law into their own hands.
“We are appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the other suspects to contact the nearest police station,” he said. Herald
