Johnson Progress

A brutal murder rooted in a calculated bid for traditional power has shattered the Guruve community, leading to the arrest of five family members of the slain village leader.

Headman John Chimana Chaora, 54, was killed just before his installation as the new Chief, with his body discovered dumped near a local dam.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests of Kelvin Katuruza Chaora (26), a 16-year-old juvenile, Chemika Gwenzi (33), Bvumbe Mandeya (35), and Ranwes Chaora (58).

All suspects are related to the deceased, a fact that has added a profound layer of betrayal to the tragedy.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, outlined the timeline of the case, stating that the victim was last seen alive on Christmas Day.

“The victim was reported missing on 28/12/25 after being last seen at Bowen Shops, Kazunga Village, Guruve on 25/12/25,” said Comm Nyathi.

“Investigations by the police led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the victim’s belongings. The body was located near Ambush Dam, Kazunga Village, Guruve on 31/12/25.”

Police investigations reveal that the murder was a meticulously planned act of familial treachery, disguised to exploit a wave of fear from recent, unrelated killings in the area.

Authorities believe the primary motive was to usurp traditional authority.

According to police reports, Ranwes Chaora allegedly masterminded the plot after Headman Chaora was selected for the chieftainship, a position he sought for himself.

The victim’s final hours, as pieced together by investigators, began at a Christmas Day family gathering in Zvivindi Village.

He later visited Bowen Business Centre with his 29-year-old son, Manyara Chaora, who left him there in the evening.

Manyara became concerned when his father failed to return home, prompting a massive search by police, the armed forces, and the community starting December 26th.

The initial suspicion fell on a known murder suspect at large due to the area’s tense climate.

However, the investigation turned towards the family when peculiar clues emerged.

Manyara began receiving suspicious messages from his father’s cellphone, and witnesses reported seeing the five accused individuals following the Headman on the day he vanished.

The case broke open when the juvenile suspect was found in possession of the deceased’s cellphone, leading police to Kelvin Chaora, who was found with the victim’s shoes.

Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the crucial role of this evidence.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly provided a chilling confession.

They admitted to strangling Headman Chaora and disposing of his body near Ambush Dam, where it was later found in an advanced state of decomposition.

The police spokesperson emphasized the role of the recovered items in the investigation, though specific details on the cause of death remain undisclosed pending further forensic analysis.

“The recovery of the victim’s belongings, including his cellphone and shoes, played a significant role in building the case against the suspects,” the ZRP stated.

The ongoing investigation aims to solidify the evidence for prosecution.

The community now awaits the suspects’ court appearance, hoping for justice for a leader whose life was tragically cut short by those closest to him in a ruthless quest for power.