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Walter Mswazie Herald Correspondent
THIRTY-SIX people were murdered across Masvingo in the first seven months of this year, raising concern with the upsurge of such cases in the province. Last year, the province recorded 47 murder cases which was a 29 percent increase from the previous year’s 36 cases. Addressing chiefs during Traditional Leaders Day commemorations at 4 Infantry Brigade last week, acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa appealed to chiefs to help in curbing cases of violence which have become the vehicle for murder.

“As police, we work with chiefs who are the custodians of our cultural values. We appeal to our chiefs in Masvingo to help in curbing cases of murder which normally emanate from disputes.

“We have accounted for 36 murder cases in seven months before the year end. Last year, the figure was at 47 the whole year,” Asst Insp Dehwa said.

He said domestic violence was one of the sources of murder as people fight following disputes.

“We have so far recorded 11 murder cases related to domestic violence for the period under review. The violence may be caused by disputes over extra-marital affairs, suggestive WhatsAap messages on a spouse’s phone.

“We have also recorded three cases emanating from violence caused by mentally-challenged family members. Twenty two cases were related to witchcraft allegations and other causes.

“In most cases, mentally-challenged people would not have taken their medication or they would have stopped at all,” he said.

The acting police spokesperson urged chiefs to assist police in ensuring that villagers follow the law when brewing traditional beer as drinking could also be a source of violence which can lead to murder.

“Villagers who brew traditional beer should be aware of the Traditional Beer Act which mandates them to seek a licence.

“The licence spells out the amount of beer to be brewed for sale and the times patrons should be dismissed.”

He said this would help in curbing violence.

“We appeal to our chiefs to ensure that those who brew this traditional beer follow the law. Chiefs should also educate their subjects on the dangers of accusing others of witchcraft, as we have recorded a number of cases following a dispute over witchcraft allegations,” Asst Insp Dhewa said.

“The country’s laws do not recognise that there is witchcraft and it is illegal to call someone a witch or wizard.”

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba last month revealed that at least 10 people were killed every week.