Former Guruve Fugitive Pleads Guilty To Rape, Attempted Murder And Robbery Charges

A 35-year-old former fugitive accused of unleashing months of violence in Guruve has pleaded guilty to 10 serious criminal charges, including rape, attempted murder, and robbery.

Anymore Zvitsva appeared in court on Wednesday, May 13, where he admitted to the offences and is expected to return on Thursday for a pre-sentence hearing. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Zvitsva carried out what prosecutors described as a “calculated and brutal” series of attacks between October and December 2025.

Prosecutors say Zvitsva targeted vulnerable victims during his alleged crime spree, including a 14-year-old juvenile and a 62-year-old woman. Court documents allege that in several incidents, he used shoelaces, wire, and snare cables to restrain victims before dragging them into isolated mountain or bush areas where the attacks occurred. The NPAZ said weapons, including knives, spears, and snare wire, were used to overpower victims.

Among the 10 charges are five counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors allege Zvitsva stabbed some victims in the neck, chest, and abdomen while strangling others with snare wire until they lost consciousness. Authorities say the attacks displayed extreme violence and deliberate intent to inflict serious harm.

In some cases, Zvitsva allegedly broke into homes at night while wearing a balaclava and attacked sleeping residents. One incident reportedly involved a man being struck with a machete before the suspect stole small household items, including a cigarette lighter, cigarettes, and a soft drink.

Police say Zvitsva’s months-long “reign of terror” finally ended following his arrest on January 3, 2026. Investigators said the suspect later led police to multiple crime scenes during follow-up investigations. In one instance, officers reportedly recovered a victim’s red T-shirt hidden beneath a log near an anthill. The case shocked residents across Guruve, where communities had reportedly been living in fear during the period of the attacks.

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that Zvitsva still faces additional murder-related charges that are expected to be referred to the High Court.

“These are grave offences committed with extreme cruelty, and the justice system remains committed to ensuring the safety of the Guruve community,” the NPAZ said.

Legal analysts say the guilty plea may influence sentencing proceedings, although the seriousness and violent nature of the offences are likely to weigh heavily during sentencing. The case has also reignited debate around violent crime in remote rural communities and the challenges police face in tracking dangerous suspects operating across isolated areas. Residents in Guruve have welcomed the arrest and prosecution, with many expressing relief that the accused is now in custody.

Guruve fugitive