Police Probe Discovery Of Male Body With Skin And Fingers Missing Near A Mine
Police in Mtopo have launched an investigation into a suspected murder case following the discovery of a decomposed male body in a bushy area near Yakutsi Marketing Mine on July 14. The identity of the victim remains unknown.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, with visible bruises on the limbs, missing fingers on the right hand, and no skin on the head.
The victim was dressed in a blue work suit jacket, black shorts, and blue trousers. The ZRP said:
Police in Mtopo are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a yet to be identified male adult who was found lying lifeless in a bushy area near Yakutsi Marketing Mine on 14/07/2025.
The victim’s body was at an advance state of decomposition with some bruises on the limbs, missing right hand thumb and fore-finger and had no skin on the head. The victim was wearing a blue work suit jacket, black short and blue trousers.
The condition of the body has raised speculation about possible foul play, although police have not yet confirmed whether the case is being treated as a murder.
The missing thumb and forefinger, along with the absence of facial skin, may point to various scenarios ranging from wildlife scavenging to ritualistic violence, both of which have precedent in rural Zimbabwe.
The proximity to Yakutsi Marketing Mine, a site known for artisanal mining activity, adds complexity to the case.
Mining areas have historically been linked to disputes over claims, undocumented labour, and occasional criminal activity.
The ZRP is appealing to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the deceased or shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his death to report to the nearest police station.
