By Dumisani Ndlovu
GOKWE – The High Court, sitting in Gokwe, has handed down life sentences to Collins Jongwe and Stephen Matenganyika for the brutal murder of Kenneth Pedzisai Chirashi and Lorna Taylor Chirashi, a well-known couple from Redcliff.
The heinous crime, committed on Valentine’s Day in 2024, shocked the Redcliff community and the nation.
The court found Jongwe and Matenganyika guilty of the premeditated and merciless killings. During the sentencing, Justice officials emphasized that such brutal acts would not be tolerated and that Zimbabwe’s justice system remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting its citizens.
According to court proceedings, Jongwe and Matenganyika broke into the Chirashi’s residence on February 14th, demanding money from the couple. When their demands were not met, they launched a vicious attack. Kenneth Chirashi was strangled with a black cable and struck with a pickaxe. Lorna Chirashi was bludgeoned with a shovel, strangled, and repeatedly struck with a pickaxe, resulting in her death.
The court heard disturbing details of the assault, highlighting the extreme brutality of the crime. Evidence presented showed that Jongwe was later found in possession of the victims’ national identity cards, $400 in cash with serial numbers that matched those taken from the residence, and vehicle license plates that had been removed from the Chirashi’s vehicle.
A key piece of evidence came from a neighbor who testified to seeing Jongwe driving the couple’s vehicle shortly after screams were heard emanating from the Chirashi home.
The verdict has brought a sense of closure to the grieving family and friends of Kenneth and Lorna Chirashi.
