By Michael Gwarisa
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raised alarm over a disturbing rise in violent killings linked to individuals with mental health challenges, after two separate incidents in Karoi and Bulilima claimed the lives of at least eight people within a week.
The latest incident occurred in Makoni Village, Tengwe, Karoi, on August 18, 2025, where a 55-year-old woman, a child and a teenager were brutally killed. Police said Patrick Makufa, a mental health patient, allegedly struck Constaine Mabheka (55) several times on the head with an axe handle, killing her instantly. He then turned on Kunashe Mabheka (04), striking the child once on the head before ambushing Atilda Mharadze (19), whom he also struck multiple times with the axe handle. All three victims died on the spot.
Police confirmed that Makufa has since been arrested.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the killings reflect a growing public safety concern and called on families to urgently seek treatment for relatives battling mental health conditions.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to exercise caution, particularly when interacting with individuals with mental health challenges,” Nyathi said.
“We implore families and guardians of individuals with mental health issues to seek professional help and ensure that they receive the necessary support and treatment on time.”
The Karoi tragedy came only days after another shocking rampage in Matabeleland South left five people dead and two others injured. Police said Phamani Sibanda (43) of Madlambuzi, Bulilima, went on a violent attack on Wednesday, striking seven villagers with a Mopani log, a blunt object and a sharp weapon. Authorities described him as a mental health patient who moved aggressively through Bellas and Central villages, attacking anyone in his path.
The victims were identified as Elliot Khupe (101) of Bellas Village, Butho Tshuma (97) of Bellas Village, Constance Sibanda (66) of Bellas Village, Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6) of Bellas Village and Catra Matsika (72) of Central Village. All five died at the scene.
Two female survivors, aged 90 and 41, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Madlambuzi Clinic and later transferred to Plumtree District Hospital where they remain admitted.
Nyathi said communities should take mental health issues seriously and not ignore early warning signs.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to quickly refer mental patients to medical institutions for treatment and to monitor their medical process and general behaviour in order to curb violent tendencies,” he said.
He further appealed for vigilance, urging members of the public to report suspicious or violent behaviour before it escalates into tragedy.
“We appeal to members of the public to promptly report such conduct to the police via the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp on 0712 800197, or at their nearest police station,” Nyathi added.
The two incidents, though separated by provinces, have heightened concern over how mental health is being handled in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural communities where access to psychiatric care is limited. Police say while they are investigating the murders, the underlying issue of untreated mental illness poses an ongoing threat if left unaddressed.
Health experts have previously warned that the lack of adequate mental health facilities, coupled with stigma and neglect, leaves many patients untreated and at risk of violent episodes. The recent tragedies, which claimed the lives of the elderly, women and children, underscore the urgent need for a stronger public health response.
Meanwhile, police said the suspects in both Karoi and Madlambuzi are in custody as investigations continue. Families of the victims are mourning their loved ones, while the broader community grapples with fear and unanswered questions.
