Mother, Two Kids Found Dead in Seke

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched investigations into two harrowing murder cases in Seke District, including a suspected murder-suicide involving a mother and her two young children, and a separate rape and killing of an elderly woman, for which one suspect has been arrested.

According to ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the first incident under investigation involves the deaths of Ruth Ruvarashe Chidume ,35, and her children, Tatenda Precious Blessings Gumbo ,4, and Ira Makanaikaishe Gumbo ,2. Their bodies were discovered on June 9, 2025, inside a bedroom in Besa Village, Dema.

Chidume was found hanging from a wooden beam, with a nylon fabric tied around her neck. Her children were discovered blindfolded, with plastic bags over their heads, tied tightly below the neck. Police believe the case could be a murder-suicide, but investigations are ongoing to establish the exact sequence of events.

In a separate but equally disturbing case, the police have arrested Farai Machaka ,48, for the murder of his aunt, Ruth Elizabeth Kadara ,67, in Chounda Village.

Kadara’s body was discovered on June 5, 2025, in her kitchen hut. Police investigations revealed that Machaka allegedly sexually assaulted her before strangling her to death. He also took her cellphone, which has since been recovered by authorities.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting comprehensive investigations to uncover the full circumstances surrounding both cases,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist with the cases. Tip-offs can be submitted via the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631, WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at the nearest police station.