A man from Shurugwi has been handed two life sentences after being convicted for killing his two girlfriends in 2021.
In a chilling conclusion to a tragic case, Emmanuel Mahembe of Shurugwi was this Friday sentenced to two life prison terms for the brutal murder of his two girlfriends; Patricia Mutero and Idah Chigumbate in 2021.
The ruling, handed down by the High Court in Gweru brings closure to the families of the victims but serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gender-based violence.
The gruesome events unfolded in 2021 when Mahembe, in a fit of rage took the lives of his two girlfriends.
Circumstances are that sometime in 2021, Mahembe had an appointment with Mutero who drove to Dhanga dip tank where he allegedly murdered her, wrapped her body in a blanket and buried it along Gwamamvura River bed.
It also emerged that he went on to sell the deceased’s vehicle in a swap and top deal.
Mahembe also stands accused of brutally killing his other girlfriend, Idah Chigumbate before dumping her body in a disused mine and getting away with her vehicle.
Meanwhile, the trial of Gweru businessman Peter Dube who is accused of double murder has been moved to the 25th of January next year.
Courage Hwami a 35-year-old artisanal miner was sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Justice Naison Chivayo this week at High Court for a violent bar murder.
Hwami convicted of murder and attempted murder after a trial at the Gweru High Court Circuit. According to the reports, Hwami used an AK-47 Columbia knife to stab two individuals, including a teenager, at Vhudzijena Night Club on 04 December 2023.
The altercation resulted in the death of Courage Sibanda. Judge Chivayo handed down a life sentence for murder and additional 10 years for attempted murder, to be served consecutively.
Hwami claimed self-defense stating that he carried the knife for protection.
“ I have to carry the knife for self-defense as l have to protect myself,” said Hwami.
The court heard that on 4 December 2023 around 3 am at Vhudzijena night club, he had a dispute with Courage Sibanda, the deceased.
Nomore Hove a caretaker attempted to intervene to resolve the argument. In a shocking moment, Hwami later approached Sibanda and stabbed him twice once in the chest and once in the back causing severe injuries.
Sibanda ran outside the bar but collapsed and died struggling to escape. Hove was then tracked by Hwami and stabbed once in the chest before fleeing towards Mkoba 13.
Hove was then treated for his injuries at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
The police arrested Hwami and recovered the knife while Sibanda’s body was sent to United Bulawayo Hospital for a post-mortem.
Doctor Maibelys Gavilan Acosta determined the cause of “death that was hypovolemic due to stab wound on the chest.
Hwami was found guilty of murder and attempted murder.
