Fresh Probe Ordered Into Death of Zimbabwean in Salford

By Staff Reporter | Manchester

A fresh review has been ordered into the death of Zimbabwean national Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera, whose body lay undiscovered for 56 days in Salford, England.

Greater Manchester West Coroner Tim Brennand called on Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to review the case after concluding an inquest into Julius' death on August 28. The coroner found that Julius was likely subjected to an “unwarranted and unlawful attack” involving a bladed weapon, although the formal cause of death remained unascertained because of the advanced decomposition of his body.

Julius, 43, was reported missing on October 24, 2023. His body was discovered on December 7 in dense vegetation behind properties on Great Cheetham Street West, near Broughton Cricket and Rugby Club. Police believe he died on the night of October 13 or in the early hours of October 14, meaning his remains remained undiscovered for eight weeks. The new development follows a three-day inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court, where witnesses provided evidence about events surrounding Julius' disappearance and the circumstances in which his body was eventually found.

Coroner raises concerns over investigation

The inquest heard that Julius had suffered an incised injury to the left side of his neck, which a Home Office pathologist said was likely to have been caused by a sharp instrument. The pathologist could not establish the precise cause of death because of the condition of the body.

According to the coroner's findings, the most likely scenario was that Julius was attacked at or near 99 Great Cheetham Street West, where he was known to have spent time. The coroner said the evidence pointed to a possible dispute involving a bottle of cider and a heavily intoxicated assailant who allegedly used a kitchen knife. He said Julius may then have fled the property, falling or climbing over a wall before becoming trapped in dense vegetation.

The precise sequence of events remains uncertain. Coroner Brennand also expressed concern about what he described as a possible “conspiracy of silence” surrounding Julius' death and invited GMP's Head of Crime to work with Detective Inspector Rachel Smith on a review of the case. He also raised the possibility that people may have assisted those responsible or that there could have been an attempt to obstruct justice.

Three men face no further action

Three men, Bennett Benjamin Nkonjera, Josphat Mkonowatsauka and Louis Chirimumvura, were arrested during the investigation and questioned on suspicion of murder. They were subsequently released without charge and told they would face no further action, with GMP saying the evidence did not meet the legal threshold for prosecution. The criminal investigation, however, has remained open.

During the inquest, Detective Inspector Rachel Smith told the court that investigators had consulted the Crown Prosecution Service but had not obtained sufficient evidence to charge anyone. The hearing nevertheless produced new information that could prompt investigators to revisit aspects of the case. One witness, Dorothy Wood, told the inquest that she had confronted Nkonjera about Julius' disappearance during a gathering at 99 Great Cheetham Street West.

She alleged that Nkonjera fell to his knees, apologised and made statements about Julius being “chopped up”. Nkonjera denied the account. The inquest also heard evidence about the movements of those who were at the property around the time Julius is believed to have died.

Vulnerable Zimbabwean remembered

Julius moved from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom in 2001, initially living with family and friends in Leicestershire before moving to Manchester in 2012. He had been waiting for a decision on his immigration status and, because he was not permitted to work, relied on food vouchers and other support. Police described him as vulnerable and said witnesses had reported that people bullied him and took his food vouchers.

Despite his difficult circumstances, his family remembered him as a sociable and warm-hearted man. His cousin June Matera, whom Julius called Aunt June, described him as a “joyful spirit” who enjoyed the company of others. “He was an active local community member who enjoyed the company of others and was never a lonely person,” she said in an earlier tribute. “We all miss his contagious laugh. He had a way of making people smile and a chuckle that captured his joyful spirit.”

June has welcomed the decision to review the case, saying the family still hopes Julius will eventually receive justice. “It is sad and heartbreaking that Julius could not get the justice that he deserved,” she said. “We pray that Julius' soul rests in eternal peace and that one day justice will prevail. Time will tell.” Julius was buried at Peel Green Cemetery in Eccles on December 18, 2024.

£50,000 reward remains available

GMP launched several appeals for information following Julius' death. In October 2025, two years after his death, police announced a £50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Detective Inspector Smith said investigators believed someone in the community had information that could help solve the case. Police have urged anyone who witnessed anything suspicious around Great Cheetham Street West on the night of October 13 or early October 14, 2023, or who has information about Julius' final hours, to come forward.

Information can be provided to GMP on 0161 856 3635, quoting log 219 of 07/12/2023, or through the force's Major Incident Public Portal. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The coroner's decision does not determine criminal liability. Any future prosecution would require investigators and prosecutors to establish sufficient evidence against an identified suspect.

For Julius' family, however, the renewed review offers another opportunity to establish what happened during the final hours of a Zimbabwean man whose death has remained unresolved for almost three years.

Julius Matera death