Africa News 24 Botswana Bureau
GABORONE, Botswana – The southern Africa region is in shock after nine Zimbabwean men committed the murder of their compatriot on camera after accusing him of steal money in Botswana.
The murder, which has shocked both Botswana and Zimbabwe, was recorded on camera.
Besides murder, the nine who have all been arrested, have also been charged with illegal entry into Botswana.
A brutal attack over alleged theft
The tragic murder of Tavonanashe Mariga took place on 5 January 2025, at Matebele Farms in Botswana. The accused, according to initial reports, all male farm workers, confronted Mariga over allegations that he had stolen P1,500 (approximately USD$ 125). The confrontation escalated into a violent assault that ultimately ended in Mariga’s death.
Witnesses to the murder and police report that the accused tied Mariga up before subjecting him to a savage beating with sticks. The brutality of the assault reached its peak when the attackers allegedly stomped on Mariga’s testicles, causing him to lose consciousness. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
In the video that Africa News 24 has watched, the assailants are seen torturing the victim while questioning him about the whereabouts of the money. At one point, they tie him to a tree with legs up on the stem all the while indiscriminately beating him.
Police statement and court proceedings
A spokesperson from the Botswana Police Service described the murder as particularly gruesome:
“The accused persons ganged up on the deceased, beating him mercilessly and recording the entire ordeal. The deceased was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital. The accused persons shouldn’t be granted bail as this is a relatively new matter. We are still waiting for the post-mortem results, the forensic affidavit, and the photo album.”
The nine murder accused individuals, Crispen Gasura (33), Desmond Dube (23), Takesure Fraser (38), Abbisai Gasura (29), Justice Mafukidze (25), Clayton Chiwa (35), Spencer Gasura (35), Calvin Mafukidze (27), and Alouis Gasura (23), appeared before the Broadhurst Magistrates’ Court last week. The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing murder was a severe crime while arguing that the crime was premeditated.
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Awaiting Forensic Evidence
Authorities are now awaiting further evidence, including forensic reports and the results of Mariga’s post-mortem examination, to build a comprehensive murder case. The recorded footage of the attack is expected to play a critical role in the prosecution’s case.
The murder has also sparked broader concerns about violence within migrant worker communities and the moral implications of recording such brutal acts. Legal experts suggest that the video evidence, while crucial for the trial, highlights a troubling trend of desensitisation to violence among some individuals.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The Zimbabwean community in Botswana has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the incident, calling for justice for Mariga while urging authorities to ensure the fair treatment of the accused until proven guilty.
As the case progresses, both Botswana and Zimbabwean authorities will be under scrutiny for how they handle this sensitive and high-profile matter. The tragedy underscores the need for stronger protection and conflict resolution mechanisms within migrant worker communities to prevent such violent incidents in the future.
Further updates will follow as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
