A wave of fear has engulfed Chitungwiza, particularly the high-density suburbs of Zengeza and St Mary’s, following a disturbing rise in murder cases linked to suspected muggings over the past two months.
According to residents, more than three people have been killed and several injured in brutal attacks allegedly carried out by marauding thugs, turning once-busy streets into no-go areas, especially during early mornings and late nights.
For many residents, daily life has been forced into an uneasy routine of fear and self-preservation.
Streets that used to come alive at dawn are now eerily quiet, as people choose to remain indoors rather than risk becoming the next victim.
In one of the latest attacks, Simbarashe Kampira, popularly known as Jibha, of Danga Street in Zengeza 1, died at Chitungwiza Hospital last Thursday morning after sustaining severe injuries when he was allegedly assaulted by suspected muggers near Forward shopping centre in St Mary’s.
In a separate incident in mid-December, another resident, Munyaradzi Sibanda, who lived along Nhunguru Street in Zengeza 2, was found dead just two houses away from his home.
A few weeks before, another male victim only identified as Dee was discovered dead in the same neighbourhood, along Mukombe Street, under similar circumstances.
Residents have also raised serious security concerns over the area from Huruyadzo up to the Manyame Complex at Zengeza turn-off, where suspected criminal gangs are reportedly operating.
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Secluded places such as the Zesa corridor into Mbaura street in Zengeza 2, Rufaro Road in Zengeza 1, Huruyadzo and Chigovanyika shopping centres in St Mary’s, Manyame Complex in Manyame Park, Ingwe Drive and Chitungwiza Road are now some of the hotspots.
According to community reports, the gangs are moving in groups of between seven and 10 people, targeting unsuspecting pedestrians, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
The Standard established that most of these murders are being committed at night or during the early hours of the morning, raising alarm among residents who said criminals were exploiting poor lighting and limited security patrols.
“I had just left Zengeza 2 shops when about four guys approached me,” said one of the victims.
“They grabbed me and held me tightly. I don’t know how I managed it, but I broke free and started running.
“They chased after me, and I ran for my dear life. I managed to escape, but I lost my mobile phone in the process.”
Residents said they were now prisoners in their own communities.
“You think twice before leaving the house,” Gerald Phiri from St Mary’s.
“Even when you are going to work early in the morning, you feel like you are gambling with your life.”
Those most affected are workers who knock off late, informal traders and commuters who leave home before sunrise.
“Some of us have no choice. We have to go to work early or come back late,” said a Zengeza 2 resident.
“After these two guys were killed in December, one would leave their house, not knowing if you would come back alive.”
The anxiety has spilled onto social media platforms, where residents are openly sharing warnings, recounting attacks and pleading with authorities to intervene before the situation worsens.
Posts circulating on community WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages detail ambush-style muggings, often involving multiple attackers armed with knives or blunt weapons.
Many of the victims, residents said, were robbed before being fatally assaulted.
Residents said the surge in muggings and killings could be linked to the rising abuse of drugs and substances, particularly crystal meth, which they noted gives users excessive energy and aggression.
The drug, popularly known as Dombo or Mutoriro, has become the drug of choice among many youths in Chitungwiza.
“We are seeing more muggings and killings because many young people are abusing drugs, especially crystal meth,” said one resident.
“This drug, which they call Dombo or Mutoriro, gives them too much energy and makes them violent.”
Another resident said the situation had become frightening, adding:, “Crystal meth has become the drug of choice for youths in this area.
When they take it, they become aggressive and unpredictable, and that is why crime has increased.”
St Mary’s Member of Parliament Brighton Mazhindu has acknowledged the growing concerns, describing the situation as deeply worrying and unacceptable.
“The safety of our residents is a top priority, and the recent surge in violent crime in St Mary’s is a matter of serious concern,” Mazhindu said.
“No community should live in fear of going to work or returning home. I have engaged relevant authorities and called for urgent, coordinated action to restore safety.”
Mazhindu said he was working closely with law enforcement agencies, local leadership and community structures to address the security challenges, including the need for increased police visibility and community policing.
“We must act decisively. This includes strengthening patrols, improving lighting in crime hotspots, and supporting community-led safety initiatives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mazhindu and ward 3 councillor Foster Chabuka, yesterday convened an emergency community meeting aimed at exploring practical ways of assisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police in apprehending the perpetrators.
“The meeting was attended by more than 200 residents, who openly and voluntarily provided information that may assist ongoing investigations,” Mazhindu said.
“Discussions revealed that rampant drug and substance abuse within the community remains a serious concern and is a key contributing factor to rising cases of violence and crime.”
The Standard established that the meeting also led to the identification of suspects, who were subsequently forwarded to the police for further investigation.
“As a proactive measure to enhance community safety, residents resolved to establish a neighbourhood watch committee to work closely with law enforcement agencies,” Mazhindu said.
The insecurity has also affected local clubs and beer outlets that has seen revellers leaving earlier than usual.
Residents are calling for increased police patrols, improved street lighting, and the revival of neighbourhood watch committees to curb the killings.
“We are not asking for miracles,” said one elderly man.
“We just want visible policing and swift justice.”
National police spokesperson commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was yet to get the report from the authorities in Chitungwiza.
He promised to share the information with this publication once he got the details.
