The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the arrest of one Bright Zhantali for a series of murder and rape cases that he allegedly committed in Mashonaland East and Manicaland Provinces. In a statement, seen by Pindula News, police said the accused was arrested for nine cases of murder and rape. We present the statement below:
ARREST OF BRIGHT ZHANTALI FOR NINE CASES OF MURDER AND RAPE
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a serial rapist and murder suspect Bright Zhantali (30) who caused panic and fear in Mashonaland East and Manicaland Provinces.
Police arrested Bright Zhantali (30) on 19th March 2022 in Goromonzi, for nine (9) counts of murder and rape cases which occurred during the period 14th January 2022 to 12th March 2022, in Hwedza, Goromonzi, Marondera and Macheke. All the victims were women.
On the 1st incident, the suspect attacked Mercy Simairi (28) on 14th January 2022 at Roughlands Farm, Marondera after raping her and strangled her to death. On 16th January 2022, the suspect pounced on Chipo Gwese (40) at Ndudzo Village, Chief Svosve, Hwedza after a being intimate and killed her. On 20th January 2022, Bright Zhantali callously attacked Betty Mlambo (43) at Dombotombo, Marondera after being intimate with her. On 31 January 2022, the suspect waylaid and attacked Stella Zuze (54) along Bronton Road, Goromonzi after demanding some cash from her. He stole USD$30 and a cellphone. On 7th February 2022, Bright Zhantali recklessly assaulted Nelia Maringe (44) to death at Grasslands Farm, Marondera after she had turned down his love proposal. On 23 February 2022, the suspect murdered Fadzai Muchadenyika (female adult) at Mutamba location, Macheke after a sexual intercourse. On 11th March 2022, the suspect attacked Meggie Kaomba (61) at Hunyani Golf Course, Marondera after raping her. On the same date, the suspect killed Petronella Tsoka (49) at Yellow City, Marondera after raping her.
On an unknown date in February 2022, Bright Zhantali hooked up with an unidentified woman at a night club in Nyameni, Marondera before he raped and murdered her behind Cherutombo High School.
Bright Zhantali has led the Police to nine (9) scenes of crime and discovery of two bodies in advanced state of decomposition. The suspect has also indicated that he committed other murder cases in Rusape, Mutare and Nyanga.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified patrols and investigations to ensure that all criminal elements targeting innocent women face the long arm of the law.
NYATHI. P Assistant Commissioner
Senior Staff Officer [Press, Public and International Relations]
to the Commissioner-General of Police
Police General Headquarters
More: Pindula News