Police, on Saturday, arrested Bright Zhantali for the alleged murder of seven women and other rape cases in the Mashonaland East province suspected to have been committed between 15 January 2022 to March.
Zhantali (30) is allegedly behind the murder of Mercy Simairi (28), Chipo Gwese (40), Betty Mlambo (43), Nelia Maringe (44), Meggie Kaomba (61), Patricia Tsoka (49), and an unidentified female aged between 35 and 40 in Marondera and Hwedza.
Two other cases allegedly committed by Zhantali were unreported according to a police memo.
The police are also trying to locate another body in Macheke.
Commenting on the arrest of the alleged serial killer, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Shamwari YeMwanasikana applauded the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for their efforts which led to the apprehension of the accused.
“With investigations still underway, we implore the community of Marondera and the public at large to continue coming forward with any information that might be of relevance to the case. This would help ensure that justice is served,” the organization says.
“If the accused is found guilty precedent must be set! Violence against women and girls should not be tolerated.”
“We continue calling for stricter sentences and mandatory sentences for those found guilty of such heinous crimes,” Shamwari ye Mwanasikana says.
Zhantali is arrested during the women’s month.
Shamwari yeMwanasikana says, “This is disheartening as these monstrous acts also coincided with Women’s Month (March) when the World is celebrating women in their diversity!”
