Source: Guruve community relieved after Zvitsva’s sentencing – herald
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
“I heard on the news that Anymore Zvitsva was sentenced yesterday (on Wednesday). How many cases did he have?”
This was the first question posed by Chief Chipuriro as news spread across Guruve that suspected serial offender Zvitsva had been sentenced to 89 years.
Although many people in Guruve welcomed the sentence handed to Zvitsva, confusion remains in the community over the nature of the charges and the sentencing structure.
Zvitsva was sentenced to an effective 89 years in prison on 10 counts after pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder, rape and robbery.
However, the 89-year sentence does not conclude all his legal troubles, as he still faces 25 separate murder charges that are yet to be heard before the High Court.
After receiving clarification on the matter, Chief Chipuriro said, regardless of the pending legal processes, Zvitsva would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
He added that traditional leaders worked closely with the police during investigations that eventually led to Zvitsva’s arrest while he was allegedly in hiding.
“We had to consult spirit mediums, and on the day of his arrest, a whirlwind followed my truck up to Guruve,” he said.
“This case caused a lot of pain to the entire community and me. Many people are happy following the sentence, although some are still confused about the remaining cases.”
Chief Bepura said while residents were relieved by the sentence, many still wanted clarity on how the sentencing system works.
“Whether Zvitsva is sentenced to 100 years or more, the community simply wants him never to return to terrorise people again,” he said.
“As traditional leaders, we will consult spirit mediums to map the way forward and initiate cleansing processes in affected communities.”
Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee chairperson for Guruve, Cde Washington Chifamba, said families affected by the alleged crimes were still struggling to heal.
“Families who lost their loved ones are still grieving while we watched him smirking during sentencing,” he said.
“One of the victims is yet to receive a proper burial as the family awaits finalisation of the post-mortem process.”
Guruve Rural District Council chairperson Mr Fabson Mandaza said many residents were unaware that the murder cases were still pending before the courts.
“I have spoken to two affected families, and they expressed gratitude over the sentence,” he said.
“Although more years may still be added after the murder trials, 89 years is already a very long sentence.”
Zvitsva sent shockwaves across the region after going on a spree of raping women and attempting to kill them.
There are allegations that he killed up to 25 people.
He is yet to appear in the High Court for the alleged murder cases.
“This case caused a lot of pain to the entire community and me. Many people are happy following the sentence, although some are still confused about the remaining cases.”
Chief Bepura said while residents were relieved by the sentence, many still wanted clarity on how the sentencing system works.
“Whether Zvitsva is sentenced to 100 years or more, the community simply wants him never to return to terrorise people again,” he said.
“As traditional leaders, we will consult spirit mediums to map the way forward and initiate cleansing processes in affected communities.”
Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee chairperson for Guruve, Cde Washington Chifamba, said families affected by the alleged crimes were still struggling to heal.
“Families who lost their loved ones are still grieving while we watched him smirking during sentencing,” he said.
“One of the victims is yet to receive a proper burial as the family awaits finalisation of the post-mortem process.”
Guruve Rural District Council chairperson Mr Fabson Mandaza said many residents were unaware that the murder cases were still pending before the courts.
“I have spoken to two affected families, and they expressed gratitude over the sentence,” he said.
“Although more years may still be added after the murder trials, 89 years is already a very long sentence.”
Zvitsva sent shockwaves across the region after going on a spree of raping women and attempting to kill them.
There are allegations that he killed up to 25 people.
He is yet to appear in the High Court for the alleged murder cases.
Guruve leaders consulted spirit mediums over Zitsva.
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