The Zimbabwe Republic Police said on Thursday at least 16 people were murdered throughout the country between August 13 and August 19 this year.

In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the rise in the number of murder cases was evidence that people no longer valued sacredness of human life.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police notes with concern the upsurge in murder cases during the period extending from 13 to 19 August 2020 where sixteen cases were recorded countrywide. It is disturbing that some people no longer value the sanctity of human life.

“Two cases of patricide were recorded in Tsholotsho and Mutare where two fathers were murdered by their own sons over petty disputes. In one of the cases, the accused person scolded mourners at a funeral and when his father tried to admonish him, he assaulted him with a three legged fire stand, leading to his death,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said during the current national lockdown period, unnecessary gatherings should be shunned as some of the murders were occurring during illegal beer drinking sprees.

“Infidelity has also contributed to the number of recorded cases for the period under review. In Dema, a 22 year old female adult was murdered by her boyfriend on 16 August 2020.

“In Rimuka, Kadoma, another 19 year old female was fatally stabbed with a knife for permitting accused person’s girlfriend to meet with another man at her residence,” he said.

He urged the public to desist from taking matters of the law into their own hands and seek counselling to resolve disputes.

“Members of the public are encouraged to find amicable ways of resolving their differences whenever they fail to find common ground,” he said.

“Traditional leaders, the church, close family members and counselling experts should assist parties in finding common ground whenever there is a dispute. The Police is also available to assist families in resolving differences.”

New Ziana