an AI-generated illustration depicting the alleged offence
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Chief Chireya, born Henry Chidzivo, allegedly ordered the killing of a 72-year-old man whom he accused of stripping him of his chieftainship.
Chidzivo of Gokwe North, is said to have teamed with his brothers, Jetro Dumbura (36) and Chenjerai Chidzivo (42), as well as police officers Moses Sibanda (40) and Agent Chitsinde (33), who are stationed at ZRP Nembudziya/Chireya Police Post and Kevin Panashe Musariri (27) and Kasiyani Mudyachawaona (26).
The deceased, Tapson Jichidza of Taka Village in Gokwe North, was allegedly assaulted at his homestead on October 13, 2026, after Chidzivo and the six arrived at the property at around 8.30pm.
According to the State, Chidzivo ordered the group to kill Jichidza, accusing him of having stripped him of his chieftainship.
Reports are that Chidzivo who was said to be on the run, has since been arrested and was expected to appear in court this Tuesday afternoon.
The six accused persons were remanded in custody at Nembudziya Magistrates Court for the murder and are expected back in court on November 4.
The State alleges that on the night of the incident, the accused persons travelled to Jichidza’s homestead in an Isuzu twin-cab vehicle driven by Chidzivo.
Dumbura, Chenjerai, Musariri, Mudyachawaona and five other people were allegedly armed with knobkerries, axes, iron bars and wooden sticks, while Chitsinde was carrying his service rifle loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
Upon arrival, Chidzivo allegedly switched off the vehicle’s lights and drove closer to the homestead before the group disembarked and surrounded the property.
Chitsinde allegedly ordered everyone to lie down before Dumbura struck Jichidza on the head with a knobkerrie.
Chenjerai allegedly lifted the elderly man and threw him to the ground, while Chitsinde allegedly struck him with the butt of his rifle.
The court heard that Jichidza fell unconscious during the assault.
Musariri and Mudyachawaona allegedly carried him away from the yard, out of sight of his relatives, before taking him to a roofless hut.
The group allegedly left the homestead, while Brighton and Shelton Jichidza were also reportedly assaulted during the incident.
Shelton later allegedly discovered Jichidza’s lifeless body inside the hut and made a police report.
Police investigations led to the arrest of the six accused persons on October 16, 2026.
The deceased’s body was taken to Gokwe North District Hospital, where Dr Emmerson Nguluvhe certified the death.
A full post-mortem examination by a pathologist was still pending.
