Chipinge Residents Arrested for Confessing to Brutal Murder Over Maize-Meal Theft Accusation
In a shocking turn of events, two men from Chipinge are facing murder charges after confessing to a brutal killing allegedly sparked by accusations of maize-meal theft. Daniel Sithole and Cleanous Utete are accused of fatally assaulting their neighbor, Nicholas Muyambo, before burying his body in a shallow grave to conceal evidence of their crime.
The harrowing details of the incident came to light seven days after Muyambo’s disappearance when Sithole and Utete purportedly disclosed the sequence of events leading to the murder. Reports indicate that the victim, Muyambo, was seeking employment at Farm 34 in Middle Sabi, Chipinge District, on March 10, 2024. Accused of stealing maize-meal, Muyambo was subjected to relentless physical assault with a wooden stick by the two suspects, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
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Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the chilling murder, stating that the suspects were cooperating with police inquiries into the incident. The investigation was triggered by Muyambo’s elder brother, who reported him missing on March 17, prompting authorities to search for his whereabouts.
Coincidentally, Utete allegedly confessed to the crime to Listen Chikoo, a farm irrigator, on the same day Muyambo was reported missing. Utete reportedly detailed how he and Sithole had killed Muyambo and buried his body nearby. Chikoo, acting swiftly, recorded the confession on his cellphone and informed Passmore Muumbe of Farm 28.
Together, Chikoo and Muumbe located the shallow grave as indicated by Utete, leading to the discovery of Muyambo’s decomposed remains. Authorities were immediately notified, and a police investigation ensued. The exhumation of Muyambo’s body from the shallow grave resulted in the arrest of Sithole and Utete.
The remains were transferred to Chipinge District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts, warning against resorting to violence that could result in loss of life. The case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means.
