By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a murder case and multiple violent assault incidents following a spate of attacks that occurred in Epworth over the weekend.
Speaking to Hurumende News Hub, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that police are investigating a murder case and two attempted murder cases that occurred at Solani Shopping Centre.
“We are only aware of a single case that happened at Solani Shopping Centre where robbers attacked vendors who were at a cloakroom using iron bars and knobkerries, resulting in the death of one individual. Two other victims sustained serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged and are now back at home,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
In a separate incident, Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that two individuals were violently attacked while parking their vehicle at the shopping centre.
“We confirm that two individuals were assaulted while taking a car for parking at the shops. The two were violently shoved into their vehicle, attacked with heavy objects and sustained deep injuries,” he said.
According to police, the victims were later dumped in a bushy area near the Mabvuku turn-off.
“At this stage, the matter is being classified as assault. Once full investigations are completed, we will update the public accordingly,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
The police spokesperson said investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the attack and any possible links to other reported criminal activities in the area.
When asked about reports that two individuals had been robbed and had their vehicle stolen during the same weekend, Commissioner Nyathi said police were still verifying details relating to the incident before issuing an official statement.
Meanwhile, Hurumende News Hub has been reliably informed that at least three separate violent incidents occurred in the Solani area over the weekend. The reported attacks allegedly left several people injured, while investigations into other reported fatalities are ongoing.
The incidents have heightened concern among residents of Epworth, who say violent robberies and attacks are becoming increasingly common, particularly during the evening hours.
“The police are not doing enough to ensure our safety, especially during the night,” one resident told Hurumende News Hub.
Residents say many of the attacks are occurring between 8pm and 9pm when workers are returning home.
“These incidents are happening when we are just coming back from work. We now live in fear because criminals seem to be operating freely in our communities,” said another resident.
Community members are now calling for increased security deployments and enhanced police patrols in the area to restore public confidence and curb the growing wave of violent crime.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that may assist investigations to report to their nearest police station.
