The Sunday Mail
Emmanuel Kafe
YEUKAI DZUDA, a resident of the usually peaceful Garikai suburb in Norton’s Ward 12, is living in constant fear.
She vividly remembers the day she discovered a lifeless body with broken bones and dismembered limbs along the nearby railway tracks, just metres away from her home.
“The victim appeared to have suffered severe torture, with his head and face brutally smashed in,” she recounted to The Sunday Mail.
“One of his eyelids was plucked out and his leg was broken, probably to create the illusion of a train accident.”
In recent weeks, fear and unease have gripped the suburb after a series of disturbing discoveries along the railway line.
An alarming number of corpses have been found dumped along the railway tracks connecting Kingsdale, Knowe, Garikai and Katanga suburbs.
For locals, the once-bustling route for trade and commerce has become a chilling symbol of violence.
Residents believe criminals are using the railway line to dispose of their victims, dismembering bodies and arranging them to appear as if struck by trains.
“The first incident involved an unidentified male adult, whose lifeless body was discovered along the railway line,” said one resident, who only identified himself as T-One.
“In another incident, a woman was reportedly beaten to death by her boyfriend after allegedly being caught cheating.
“The boyfriend was apprehended by the police while attempting to dispose of her body along the same railway line.”
It’s a sinister attempt to mislead investigators, he concluded.
Throughout the suburb, the fear is palpable.
With each new discovery, residents worry about their own safety.
“Imagine these criminals dumping a body at your doorstep,” said another resident, Mr Ishmael Takwira.
“The police will have you as the prime suspect.”
This fear has led to a self-imposed curfew.
By 5pm, the streets are empty as residents seek refuge in their homes.
Patrols
The community is, however, refusing to give up. A 14-member neighbourhood watch team has been formed, with men and women patrolling the area at night.
“This is how we protect ourselves,” said Tawanda Mkuhlani, a member of the neighbourhood watch team.
“While we don’t have official figures, we have witnessed nearly five cases this year alone, although the police claim only two murders have been reported.
“We are appealing to the police for support, at least if they can conduct night patrols or provide the residents with tools such as batons and sprays to enhance their self-defence.”
Call for action
Residents are demanding a more proactive response from the authorities to quell the rising fear and guarantee safety.
Norton Town Council chairperson Councillor Action Mataruse emphasised the need for enhanced police presence and support, as well as swift action to restore security and peace in this once-tranquil community.
“There is a need for law-enforcement agents to take decisive action against criminal elements before the situation spirals out of control,” he said.
“It is concerning that reports indicate perpetrators are using the railway line as a diversionary tool to conceal their actions.
“In the most recent case, a woman is alleged to have been killed by her boyfriend, and we were told he was caught on his way trying to dump the victim along the same railway line.”
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed that two cases of murder had been reported in the area.
However, he assured the community that police were taking measures to address the issue.
“Night patrols have been initiated to apprehend the criminals, and we encourage residents to establish neighbourhood watch committees to collaborate with the police and report any suspicious activities,” he said.
“We are conducting campaigns to encourage people to walk in groups during the night and avoid secluded places.”
