By Dumisani Ndlovu
Emmanuel Mahembe, 37, of Village Makotore, Chief Nhema, Shurugwi, has been convicted and sentenced to two life imprisonment terms for brutally murdering two girlfriends, Patricia Mutero, 37, and Idah Chigumbate, 35, in 2021.
Mahembe lured unsuspecting women into relationships before killing them and stealing their vehicles. On an unknown date between August 2021 and September 2022, Mahembe met Mutero at Donga, Chachacha Business Centre, and later killed her at Dhanga dip tank. He buried her body along Gwamamvura Riverbed and sold her Honda Fit.
Representing the state Senior Public Prosecutor, Samuel Pedzisayi told the court that on May 22, 2021, Mahembe met Chigumbate at the same business centre, and after a misunderstanding over $500, he killed her and dumped her body in a disused mine shaft at Mutevekwi Bridge. Mahembe impersonated Chigumbate, convincing her son to send money to her Ecocash account, which he diverted for personal use.
The State also said during the investigation, Mahembe led detectives to the mine shaft where Chigumbate’s remains were recovered and later to Gwamvurachena River, where Mutero’s remains were exhumed.
During the trial, Mahembe’s lawyer from Kwande Legal Practitioners revealed that her client was uncooperative and unable to comprehend when she engaged him for the defense outline.
Despite this, the evidence against Mahembe was overwhelming. He had met Patricia Mutero at Donga, Chachacha Business Centre, killed her at Dhanga dip tank, and buried her body along Gwamamvura Riverbed. He then sold her Honda Fit. Similarly, Mahembe met Idah Chigumbate at the same business centre, killed her over a $500 dispute, and dumped her body in a disused mine shaft at Mutevekwi Bridge
Witnesses, including relatives of the victims and individuals who interacted with Mahembe, testified against him. Their testimonies revealed the extent of Mahembe’s deceit and brutality.
Dr. Juana Rodriguez Gregori, the medical doctor who performed the post-mortem examinations, concluded that Chigumbate’s cause of death was asphyxia and strangulation, while Mutero’s cause of death was undetermined.
High Court Judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi condemned Mahembe’s actions, stating, “The accused’s actions are a danger to society, and he is unfit to live among humans… If these brutal murders are not curbed, they will soon spiral out of control in Midlands Province.
Mahembe’s sentencing serves as a warning to would-be offenders, emphasizing the severity of the consequences of such heinous crimes.
