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Elderly couple killed over witchcraft claims

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By Lerato Ndlovu 


An elderly couple was brutally murdered in Chief Chivero’s Denya village for allegedly practicing witchcraft and possessing goblins.


The late couple Tabeth Chiumba (71) and her husband Tayero Santumeya (72) were reportedly murdered by one Freddy Makanyanga (45)  using axe and knobkerrie.


Meanwhile police has launched a manhunt for the suspect.


Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Margret Chitove confirmed the murder case and said Makanyanga returned home drunk and threatened to kill his mother before visiting the Chiumba residence.


“Around 2100hours Makanyanga is said to have returned home from Nyamweda Business Centre drunk and threatened to kill his mother Rosemary Makanyanga (61) after having accused Chiumba of being in possession of a goblin. The accused left his homestead in possession of an axe and knobkerrie.”


She said the accused proceeded to the deceased homestead where he assaulted Chiumba’s husband, till he fled to seek for help from neighbours, leaving the accused with his wife.

“The husband fled and went to seek for help after being assaulted by the accused, the couple’s neighbours Wensecelous Katsamba (43) and Tendai Makanganga (39) arrived at the scene and tried to refrain the accused but they fled due to fear.


“Makanganga and Katsamba returned with the accused’s aunt Mariana Makangani (58), they found the accused questioning the injured Chiumba demanding her to release the items she uses for witchcraft. The three refrained the accused from further assaulting Chiumba. 

A report was made to Nyamweda Police Station the next day after Taberth Chiumba was found with deep cuts around the left ear and bruises all over the body at her homestead.


Villagers conducted a search party for her husband Santumeya and he was found lying in agony in the field about 50m from his homestead on April 3 by the accused’s brother Fanuel Makanganya. 


Santumeya was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead upon arrival. 

Inspector Chitove urged the public to solve disagreements amicably.
The suspect is still at large and investigations are currently underway to apprehend him.

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