Manhunt underway for suspect in Mufakose child murder case

HARARE – Authorities in Mufakose have launched a manhunt for Thomas Nyamhunga, who is accused of stabbing to death a five-year-old boy and injuring an eight-year-old girl in a tragic incident that unfolded on Sunday.

Nyamhunga, who resides at house number 78 Crowbrough Way in Mufakose, is now a wanted man facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

According to Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, the suspect is still at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

The incident occurred at the residence where Nyamhunga’s girlfriend and her children lived.

“Investigations carried out so far revealed that the deceased was staying at the given address with his mother and his two sisters.”

“The accused and deceased’s mother are boyfriend and girlfriend for almost two years but were not staying together,” Inspector Chakanza explained.

The tragic sequence of events unfolded on December 3, 2023. Nyamhunga, after an argument with his girlfriend over the phone, retired to bed.

He allegedly stabbed the eight-year-old girl, Andile Tawananyasha Mauka, in the neck with a kitchen knife.

The injured girl managed to escape and seek refuge in another tenant’s room.

“During that time, the accused person sneaked from the room and disappeared.”

“The other tenants then got into the room and discovered that the accused had already stabbed the deceased to death before he approached the one who screamed,” said Inspector Chakanza.

The police spokesperson revealed that Nyamhunga dropped his cellphone near the gate to his house, and his last message, sent at around 8:16 pm, contained regrettable words.

The message read, “Mai Alice sorry zvako ndafira hure, Mai Andire ndafazvangu” (translated: “Mother Alice, I am sorry for what I did, I am dying, and I have failed you, my wife”).

Nyamhunga’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the police are urging anyone with information about his location to come forward.

The injured girl is currently admitted to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, while the deceased child’s older sister escaped unharmed during the incident.