Harare – Zimbabwe’s First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has visited suspected serial killer Anymore Zvitsva at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, seeking to understand the motives behind a series of murders that shocked the country.
Zvitsva is accused of killing 25 people in Guruve, crimes that left communities traumatised and forced some families to abandon their homes out of fear and grief.
Dr Mnangagwa, who had earlier travelled to Guruve to meet affected families, said she felt compelled to speak directly with the suspect in order to better understand what led to the brutal killings.
Attempt to Understand the Mind of the Suspect
During the meeting at the prison, the First Lady spoke with Zvitsva, who is currently awaiting trial. She said the disturbing nature of the crimes had weighed heavily on her mind and that she wanted to hear the story from him personally.
Zvitsva, who appeared in a wheelchair during the meeting, described disturbing details about the alleged murders. He claimed that some victims’ body parts were removed and that in certain cases he sold them to individuals who believed they could be used for rituals related to mining.
He also told the First Lady that he had burned parts of victims’ bodies and used the ashes in practices he believed would help him gain wealth or predict future events.
Description of the First Killing
When asked how the killings began, Zvitsva explained that the first incident occurred during what he initially intended to be a theft.
He said he had broken into a home looking for food and took about 10 kilograms of mealie-meal. Later that night, he returned to the house believing the owner might have money.
According to his account, a confrontation broke out between him and the homeowner after she recognised him as the person who had stolen from her earlier. During the struggle, he attacked the woman with a knife and later an axe.
He claimed that after the confrontation he realised he had killed someone, which he described as the beginning of a violent path that continued afterward.
Subsequent Crimes
Zvitsva told the First Lady that after the first killing he experienced recurring fear and disturbing dreams about the victim.
He went on to describe other alleged incidents, including the killing of a relative and a young child. According to his account, he later buried some victims in shallow graves while others were left where they had died.
He also admitted that some body parts were taken and allegedly sold to individuals who believed they could be used in rituals intended to bring wealth.
Attempts to Avoid Arrest
As police intensified their search for him, Zvitsva said he spent long periods hiding in forests and bushes.
He explained that he deliberately avoided roads and often walked barefoot so that investigators and villagers would have difficulty tracking his movements.
According to his account, he carried weapons including knives, axes and spears during the time he was evading arrest.
Apology to Families and the Nation
During the meeting, Zvitsva admitted responsibility for the crimes and repeatedly asked for forgiveness from the victims’ families and the nation.
He said he struggled to understand how he ended up committing such acts and expressed regret for the pain caused to the families of those who died.
Addressing the First Lady, the President and the public, he apologised and pleaded for mercy.
Community Still Traumatised
Despite the apology, the pain remains deep in Guruve, where families continue to mourn the victims.
Many residents are still trying to recover from the shocking crimes that disrupted their communities and left lasting emotional scars.
Zvitsva is currently awaiting the court’s decision regarding his case, while the families affected by the killings continue searching for closure and peace.
