Masvingo Horror: Uncle Arrested As 3 Minors Killed Walking From School In 2 Days

Three Minors Killed Walking From School In 2 Shocking Cases In Masvingo

A devastating 48 hours in Masvingo province have seen three young children lose their lives in two deeply shocking cases. The tragedies, which occurred as the minors were walking from school or travelling home, have prompted a major police safety alert.

The horror began on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Zaka. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of 29-year-old Obedience Makonye. He is accused of luring two young relatives to Gondora Mountain as they walked home from school.

The police statement detailed: “The suspect allegedly lured his niece, Elizabeth Munetsi (14) and cousin, Shepherd Makonye (9) to the mountain where he allegedly sexually abused the female juvenile in the presence of the cousin. The victims were heading home from school. The suspect went on to kill both victims in an effort to conceal the offence.”

Makonye was arrested on 27 January after reportedly confessing to the double murder. Police recovered the bodies and a kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon.

A Four-Year-Old’s Tragic Discovery

In a separate but equally chilling case, police in Chiredzi town launched a murder investigation on the same day. Four-year-old Steadfast Makondo, an ECD A learner, never made it home from school.

The police confirmed: “Steadfast Makondo (four) was found dead with multiple bruises on 27th January 2026 in Newtown, Chiredzi, after reportedly going missing while coming from school. The body was found under a Marula tree.”

Authorities are working to determine the circumstances of his death. This incident marks the second case in two days where a child was killed after leaving school.

Drowning Incident Adds To Provincial Grief

Adding to the wave of sorrow, a third child died in a separate incident on 28 January. A boat carrying ten people capsized on Tugwi-Mukosi Dam. Among the victims were 26-year-old Leona Zendekanyi and three-year-old Saint Munyaradzi, who both drowned. The police said the boat allegedly hit a hard object in the water.

Urgent Police Warning To Parents

In response to these events, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a stark directive. Commissioner P. Nyathi emphasised the critical need for child supervision on school routes.

The statement urged: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges parents and guardians to take full responsibility for the safety of their children, particularly primary and ECD learners, by accompanying them to and from school.”

The warning also covered water safety, advising the public to avoid overloading boats and to use proper safety equipment.