Midlands Police Hunt for Suspects in Brutal Lalapanzi Murder

Authorities in Midlands province have launched an intense search for two suspects implicated in a fatal assault that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man in Lalapanzi.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Midlands police spokesperson, identified the suspects as Chamunorwa Sungisai and Tawanda Hungwe. Both are currently on the run.

The deceased, Whatmore Chigabu, reportedly encountered the suspects along a footpath in Ripporn B village on December 9 around 4 PM.

According to the police, the two suspects attacked Chigabu with undisclosed objects, leaving him unconscious with severe head injuries.

A Good Samaritan rushed the injured man to Mvuma District Hospital before he was transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital. He was later referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals.

Despite medical intervention, Chigabu succumbed to his injuries. Police have intensified their search for the suspects while appealing for public assistance.

“We are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the two suspects,” Mahoko said.

Meanwhile, rising violence and crime incidents in other parts of the country remain a growing concern.

Armed Robbers Unleash Chaos Across Bulawayo and Matabeleland

In a string of alarming incidents, armed robbers have terrorized Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region. 2024 has witnessed a notable surge in criminal activity.

The most significant case occurred in October when a seven-member gang targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle delivering money to Ecobank.

The broad daylight heist netted the robbers US$4 million. To date, the stolen funds remain unaccounted for.

Police investigations suggest the robbery involved insiders leaking sensitive delivery information to the perpetrators.

According to official data, Bulawayo recorded 13 armed robbery cases in October 2024, a steep rise from only two reported incidents during the same period in 2023.

Days after the heist, a family in Habane Township, Esigodini, fell victim to violent robbers on October 5. One member was shot in the chest as attackers fled with US$45,000.

More incidents unfolded in December, further highlighting the region’s rising insecurity.

On December 10, robbers shot a security guard at a Kelvin North service station in Bulawayo. The suspects approached disguised as fuel customers before attempting to steal her firearm.

That same night, another group of robbers scaled a residential wall and escaped with US$521, R200, and bottles of whiskey stashed into a satchel.

Earlier in the month, on December 6, heavily armed robbers stormed United Refineries in Bulawayo. The assailants carried AK-47s and pistols, making off with US$11,069, R20,481, and P80.

In November, another robbery targeted a couple in Cowdray Park. The attackers vanished with US$25,000 in cash.

April 2024 saw two armed robbers ambush three forex traders at Nkulumane Complex. The daylight attack resulted in an undisclosed sum being taken.

Matabeleland South has not been spared. In October, assailants raided the home of Chief Marupi in Gwanda, stealing his government-issued Isuzu double cab, cash, and phones.

The vehicle, presented to the chief just two weeks earlier by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, became part of a troubling trend of rising crime against both individuals and institutions.

Authorities continue investigating these escalating incidents, urging vigilance as the nation grapples with deteriorating security conditions.