Serial Rapist And Killer Arrested: Raped And Killed At Least 9 Women

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released a press statement on Twitter that they have arrested a suspect that allegedly committed 9 crimes of murder rape.

The 30-year-old suspect name Bright Zhantali is said to have committed the crimes in Hwedza, Goromondzi, Marondera and Macheke between the 14^th of January and the 12^th of March 2022.

In the first incident, the suspect attacked Mercy Simairi (28) on the 14^th of January 2022 at Roughlands Farm (Marondera). He raped her and strangled her to death. On the 16^th of January 2022, the suspect pounced on Chipo Gwese (40) at Ndudzo Village, Chief Svosve (Hwedza). He killed her after being intimate with her.

On the 20^th of January 2022 Bright callously attacked Betty Mlambo (43) at Dombotombo (Marondera) after being intimate with her. On the 31^st of January 2022, the suspect waylaid (stopped to interrupt) attacked Stella Zuze (54) along Bronton Road (Goromondzi) after demanding some cash from her. He stole US$30 and a cellphone.

On the 7^th of February 2022, Bright Zhantali recklessly assaulted Nelia Maringe (44) to death at Grasslands Farm (Marondera) after she had turned down his love proposal. On the 23^rd of February 2022, the suspect murdered Fadzai Muchadenyika (female adult) at Mutamba location (Macheke) after having sexual intercourse with her.

On the 11^th of 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 nightclub 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 the discovery of two bodies in advanced states of decomposition. The suspect has also indicated that he committed other murder cases in Rusape, Mutare and Nyanga.

The ZRP also expressed in the statement that they have intensified patrols and investigations to ensure that all criminal elements targeting innocent women will face the long arm of the law. this is yet another sad reflection of increasing crimes around the country. Below is the full statement by the ZRP as posted on their Twitter page.