Ziko Community in Seke Demands Answers After Two Young People Found Dead Following Night Attack

Fear and uncertainty have gripped residents of Ziko in Seke after two young people were found dead in separate locations following a mysterious Monday night incident that also left two other people injured.

The tragedy began when 26-year-old Takudzwa Gumunyu failed to return home after work. According to his family, he had left for work as usual and was expected back around 7pm, but he never arrived.

As morning approached, rumours spread through the community that a body had been discovered in nearby bushland. Family members rushed to the scene where police officers had already begun investigations.

Takudzwa’s mother, Mrs Tarisai Gumunyu, said the family initially waited for authorities to confirm the identity of the deceased before learning that it was their son.

“He went to work as usual, and we expected him back around 7pm. However, until early morning, we noticed he was not available. We heard rumours that there was a dead body in the bush.

“Then when we went there, the police was already there, and they were still identifying the person, so they told us to be still while they confirm. Later, the body was confirmed that it was him. He had several wounds behind his head and a deep cut behind his ear,” she said.

As relatives and neighbours gathered at the family home to mourn, another development emerged elsewhere in Ziko. A woman who had survived the incident was discovered lying in the grass on Tuesday morning.

Resident Mr Tinashe Matanda said he found Ms Bridget Dzingirai struggling to walk and speak before helping her return home. Community members later raised money to take her to hospital for treatment.

“I found her in the morning, lying in the grass, struggling to walk as well talking. I then took her home and shared the information with various neighbours, and we came up with little earnings to take her to the hospital,” he said.

Ms Dzingirai said she remembers only parts of what happened before losing consciousness.

“I was walking from around 9PM alone. Then, when I was near a tuckshop, I saw a man behind me, and later he disappeared. I noticed another man in front, and he disappeared in a few minutes. I was unconscious from there. I do not know what happened. I only have cuts and pain in my left hand,” she said.

While residents were still trying to understand the events, another body was discovered. The remains of 21-year-old Panashe, a hairdresser, were found lying in the grass after residents clearing vegetation near their homes made the discovery.

According to reports, Panashe had been walking home from work on Monday night before the incident occurred. Her death brought the number of fatalities linked to the night to two and increased concerns among residents.

Another survivor, Mr Isaac Nenyai, is currently receiving medical treatment for head injuries. He said he had been carrying groceries while walking home late at night when he encountered a person before losing consciousness.

“I was going home late at night, holding a few groceries in my hand. I passed by a person. I think it was a giant lady in a long coat with her hands in her pockets, looking down with a hat on her head. From there, I was hit in the head and the back, then I was unconscious and later in the morning found myself in the bush, then I walked a few steps and fainted,” he said.

Police attended the scenes and transported both bodies for post-mortem examinations. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries are continuing.

Residents say the once busy community has become quieter since the incident, with many now afraid to walk alone at night. As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recover, the people of Ziko continue to wait for answers about what happened during one of the community’s most painful nights.