A man suspected to be behind a wave of murders that terrorised communities in Guruve and parts of Mvurwi has been remanded in custody after appearing in court from a hospital bed.
Anymore Zvitsva (31), who investigators believe is linked to more than 15 killings in Mashonaland Central, was brought before Harare magistrate Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe, where he faces charges of murder, attempted murder and two counts of rape. His case was postponed to January 19.
Court proceedings took an unusual turn as Zvitsva repeatedly interrupted officials while lying on his hospital bed, at one point making disturbing claims about his alleged crimes and boasting about being flown by helicopter after his arrest.
Prosecutors outlined a trail of violence stretching across 2024 and late last year, with victims drawn from different villages under Chiefs Chipuriro and Bepura in Guruve, as well as areas around Mvurwi. According to court papers, the accused allegedly targeted people at their homes, grazing lands and gardens, often attacking at night.
The State alleges that in March last year, a woman from Rangwani village was killed after the accused forced entry into her home demanding money. In another incident in April, a woman from Nyakapupu farms was allegedly abducted while herding cattle, later found dead in nearby bushland.
Further allegations include attacks in Mvurwi’s Berris Post area in October, multiple killings in Guruve villages in late October and December, and a series of incidents involving women who were allegedly abducted and assaulted before being killed.
In one of the most serious sets of allegations, prosecutors told the court that several members of the same family were killed during a night attack at a homestead in December. Other incidents include attempted murder and robbery, where a shop owner was allegedly attacked at Zvivindi business centre but survived.
Police say a number of items believed to be linked to the crimes were recovered during investigations, including weapons and personal belongings left behind as the suspect fled one of the scenes.
Zvitsva remains under guard at a medical facility as investigations continue. The case has sent shockwaves through Mashonaland Central, with residents calling for justice for the victims and increased security in rural communities.
