January 2026 has opened with an unusually heavy murder toll, with police records and active investigations indicating at least 30 murder cases recorded or formally attributed within the month, raising early warning signs over the country’s violent crime trajectory.
Of these, five murder cases resulting in five deaths were reported across Zvishavane, Tengwe, Mvurwi, Filabusi and Chivi between 1 and 20 January 2026, most of them stemming from domestic or sudden personal disputes.
In Zvishavane, police arrested Takudzwa Wellington Chimutsa (28) in connection with the death of his six-year-old niece at Koisvoro Village on 18 January 2026. The suspect allegedly assaulted the child after she failed to write her name. Her condition deteriorated, and she was later taken to Zvishavane District Hospital, where she died upon admission.
In another January case, police in Tengwe are investigating the murder of Beatrice Tarumbera (75), allegedly killed by her son-in-law, Anyway Mangirazi (36), on 20 January 2026 at Chifamba Village following a domestic dispute involving his wife.
On 1 January 2026, Bright Mukonzi (29) died after allegedly being stabbed with an okapi knife at Forester H Farm Business Centre in Mvurwi. Police arrested Talent Tafungavamwe Muripo (26), saying the attack followed a dispute over a girlfriend.
Also on New Year’s Day, Stephen Ndlovu (34) died on the way to hospital after allegedly being stabbed during an argument at Nkankezi Village 18A, Maduna, Filabusi.
Police arrested Tafadzwa Ndlovu (34), saying investigations showed the suspect had intervened to stop the victim from assaulting his wife over infidelity allegations.
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In Chivi, police arrested Malvin Nkomo (26) after a man was allegedly stabbed to death at Tsvaringe Village following an argument over a song. The victim died at the scene.
Beyond these five January incidents, police investigations concluded during the month attribute 25 murder counts to Anymore Zvitsva in Guruve, placing the cumulative January murder figure at 30 cases under active investigation or prosecution.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the figures, stating that investigations were continuing across all cases.
“Police are continuing with investigations in all reported murder cases, and arrests have been made where evidence has pointed to suspects,” Nyathi said.
Zvitsva faces 25 murder charges as of 22 January 2026, alongside additional counts of attempted murder and rape-related offences, following a series of killings committed in Guruve in late 2025, with prosecutions and charge confirmations extending into January.
Based on 30 murder cases recorded or formally attributed in January alone, Zimbabwe is on pace to record approximately 360 murder deaths by December 2026 if the current monthly pattern persists.
Police said domestic disputes, interpersonal conflicts and sudden confrontations remain the dominant drivers of violent crime as the year unfolds.
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