A 30 year old man, Bright Zhantali has been arrested in connection with the killing and raping of nine women in Mashonaland East province since beginning of 2022.
By HealthTimes Reporter
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the man Zhantali was arrested on March 19, 2022 in Goromonzi for nine counts of murder and rape cases which occurred during the period 14 January 2022 to 12 March 2022 in Hwedza, Macheke, Goromonzi and Marondera and all his victims were women.
On the first incident, the suspect attacked Mercy Simairi (28) on 14 January 2022 at Roughlands Farm, Marondera after raping her and strangled her to death. On 16 January, 2022, the suspect pounced on Chipo Gwese (40) at Ndudzo Village under Chief Svosve in Hwedza after being intimate and killed her. On 20 January, Bright Zhantali callously attacked Stella Zuze (54) along Branton Road after demanding cash from her.
“He stole a Cellphone and US$30.00. On the 7th of February, 2022, Bright Zhantali recklessly assaulted Nelia Maringe (44) to death at Grasslands farm after she had turned down his proposal. On 23 February, 2022, the suspect murdered Fadzayi Muchadenyika (female adult) at Mutamba location, Macheke after sexual intercourse. On 11 March, 2022, the suspect attacked Meggie Kaomba (61) at Hunyani Golf Course Marondera after raping her. On the same date, the suspect killed Petronella Tsoka at Yellow City Marondera.”
On an unknown date in February, Bright also hooked up with an unidentified woman at a Nightclub in Nyameni before he raped and murdered her behind Cherutombo High School. He also led the police to two bodies which were in advanced stage of decomposition. He also confessed that he committed other murders in Rusape, Mutare and Nyanga.
Meanwhile, the ZRP says they have intensified patrols and investigations to ensure that criminal elements targeting women are brought to book.
