‘The demon lead them to murder’
Justice Munamato Mutevedzi delivered a verdit that has brought a sense of closure in the long-awaited, brutal murder case of seven-year-old Tapiwa Makore Jr. The accused, Tafadzwa Shamba (40), and Tapiwa Makore Snr (60).
The duo was found guilty and sentenced to death.
The decision has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the young victim.
During the trial, the court uncovered the gruesome details of the ritualistic killing that shook the nation.
It was revealed in the court that Tafadzwa Shamba, who is was the prime suspect, and Tapiwa Makore Snr, the boy’s uncle, drugged, killed, and mutilated young Tapiwa for ritual purposes, with the intention of benefiting Tapiwa Snr’s cabbage business. The court emphasized the aggravating circumstances surrounding the murder, stating that it was premeditated and meticulously planned. The use of illicit brew as a form of torture further intensified the severity of the crime.
In the face of overwhelming evidence and the horrific nature of the crime, pleas for leniency from the defense were vehemently rejected by Justice Mutevedzi. The judge acknowledged the merciless actions of the accused, who callously drank alcohol after committing the heinous act, denying the grieving parents the closure they desperately sought. Justice Mutevedzi firmly stated that no amount of jail term would be sufficient considering the gravity of the offense.
The verdict has been met with a mixture of relief, satisfaction, and sadness. It brings a sense of closure to the grieving family, who have endured unimaginable pain since the tragic loss of their young son. The community, which has been closely following the trial, sees the judgment as a resounding message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
As Tafadzwa Shamba and Tapiwa Makore Snr remain in custody, the initiation of the death sentence looms ahead. The sentencing phase will mark the final chapter in this tragic case, providing a semblance of justice for young Tapiwa Makore Jr. and his grieving family.
