Paul Nyathi

Police returned to Thanks Makore’s residence in Damofalls and continued digging in search of the head of his nephew, Tapiwa Makore (Junior), who was the victim of a suspected ritual murder in Nyamutumbu Village, Murehwa, on September 17.

The body of Tapiwa Makore, who was aged seven, is still to be buried as his head is still missing, two months after the horrific murder.

The boy’s uncle, Tapiwa Makore (Senior) (57), is accused of murdering his brother’s child with the help of his herdsman, Tafadzwa Shamba.

Throughout the search, Damofalls residents gathered from a distance as they awaited the outcome of the search which police confirmed ultimately yielded nothing.

Some angry residents, however, told ZimEye.com that the search might be compromised already as the police officers carrying out the search are being pampered by the accused.

The residents confirmed that the police officers were seen being fed with lots of beer inside the premises which was provided to them by the accused.

Thanks Makore, an uncle to the late Tapiwa Makore (Junior), is jointly charged with his twin brother Tapiwa (Senior) for their nephew’s murder.

The two, together with three other suspects, are in remand prison pending the murder trial.

Residents who spoke to ZimEye.com said they are doubtful that the remains will be found on the basis of the relations between the police and the accused.

Some though remain hopeful that the head will be found.

“We remain optimistic. What happened to Tapiwa is wrong. Our prayers are that the head is found,” said on resident who declined to be named.

To date police have so far secured the torso, legs and arms of Tapiwa with the majority of the body parts being recovered in the Murehwa area.