The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an intensive investigation following a gruesome triple murder that took place at Chipato Syndicate Mine Compound in Chegutu on the night of 14 October 2025. The horrific incident, which has left the mining community in shock, unfolded around 10 pm when a drinking session among acquaintances turned fatal.
According to a statement released by the ZRP, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect, known only by his nickname “T-One,” was socializing and drinking beer with three men — identified as Innocent Mudonhi (21), Honest Shumbamhini (20), and Conrad Shumbamhini (25) — at the mine compound before the situation took a deadly turn.
Police said an argument erupted among the group over an undisclosed issue, escalating rapidly into a violent confrontation. “A misunderstanding arose over an unknown issue, resulting in a violent altercation,” the police statement read. Witnesses reportedly heard heated exchanges before chaos ensued.
Police Launch Manhunt After Triple Murder at Chegutu Mine Compound
During the scuffle, the suspect is said to have drawn a knife and launched a series of brutal attacks on the three victims. According to investigators, Mudonhi was stabbed once in the stomach, sustaining critical injuries that left his intestines protruding. As panic gripped the compound, the attacker allegedly turned on Honest Shumbamhini, stabbing him once in the stomach and again on the right hand as he tried to defend himself.
The violence did not stop there. The suspect then allegedly confronted the third victim, Conrad Shumbamhini, and stabbed him once in the stomach, leaving the knife lodged in his body before fleeing the scene into the darkness. Residents said the three victims screamed for help, but by the time neighbours arrived, the suspect had already disappeared.
The victims were rushed to Chegutu District Hospital, where medical staff battled to save their lives. Unfortunately, Innocent Mudonhi was pronounced dead upon admission due to the severity of his injuries. The two brothers, Honest and Conrad Shumbamhini, who had been critically wounded, succumbed to their injuries the following day, on 15 October 2025, despite efforts by medical teams to stabilize them.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. Law enforcement officers have appealed to members of the public with any information regarding the whereabouts of “T-One” to come forward and assist in his apprehension. “We urge anyone who may have seen the suspect or has knowledge of his current location to report to the nearest police station or contact any police officer they trust,” the statement added.
Residents of the Chipato Syndicate Mine Compound described the atmosphere as tense and fearful in the wake of the killings. Many expressed disbelief that a night of casual drinking among familiar faces could end in such a brutal tragedy. Some community members told reporters that violent disputes at the mine compound have been on the rise in recent months, often linked to beer-drinking sessions and unresolved personal grudges.
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We are living in fear now. Everyone knew ‘T-One’ around here — he was quiet most of the time but could be hot-tempered when drunk. What happened that night has left the whole community shaken.”
Authorities have since increased police patrols in the area as investigations continue. Officers are also interviewing witnesses who were at the compound on the night of the incident to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the stabbings. Forensic experts have reportedly collected evidence from the crime scene to aid in identifying and tracking down the suspect.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that the ZRP remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. He urged the public to avoid violent confrontations, especially when under the influence of alcohol, saying such incidents were entirely preventable. “We continue to warn members of the public against resorting to violence during disputes. Many lives are being lost unnecessarily over trivial issues that can be resolved peacefully,” Nyathi said.
As the manhunt intensifies, police have vowed to bring the suspect to justice. The triple murder has reignited concerns over the prevalence of knife-related crimes and violent behaviour in mining communities, where alcohol consumption and personal rivalries often lead to deadly outcomes.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased are reportedly preparing for burial arrangements while still struggling to come to terms with their tragic loss. The incident serves as another grim reminder of how quickly tempers can flare — and how devastating the consequences can be when violence replaces dialogue.
source byo24
