Harare Man Appears in Court Accused of Killing Friend and Dumping Body in Gravel Pit

A 34-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing a murder charge after allegedly killing his friend and dumping the body in a gravel pit in Warren Park. Shepard Severa appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, charged with the murder of 28-year-old Brian Nandana.

The accused was remanded in custody and advised to approach the High Court if he intends to apply for bail.

According to prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, the incident occurred in the early hours of 19 May 2026. The court heard that at around 3:31 am, Severa allegedly lured Nandana to Pfukwa Shopping Centre in Warren Park D after claiming he wanted to give him money. Prosecutors allege that after entering Nandana’s vehicle, Severa strangled him before cutting his throat with a knife. After the alleged killing, Severa reportedly drove to Warren Park Hills, where he dumped the body inside a gravel pit and covered it with stones in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The State further alleged that while returning to where the vehicle had initially been parked, Severa encountered Ronnie Tumbare and security guards monitoring nearby earth-moving equipment. He allegedly fled from the scene during the encounter. In the process, Severa is said to have dropped Nandana’s iPhone 12, which was later recovered by police investigators.

According to court submissions, detectives allegedly found messages on the phone showing Severa arranging to meet Nandana shortly before the murder. The evidence reportedly became a major breakthrough in the police investigation.

Investigators later arrested Severa following extensive police inquiries. The court heard that after his arrest, the suspect allegedly directed detectives to the gravel pit where Nandana’s body had been hidden. Police also claim Severa assisted investigators in recovering the deceased’s car keys, which had allegedly been concealed inside a bin at his home. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has not yet released additional details regarding a possible motive behind the alleged killing.

The murder has shocked residents in Warren Park and surrounding communities, with many expressing concern over the violent nature of the alleged crime. Meanwhile, ZBC News reported that Nandana was an orphan raised at Newstart Children's Home in Amalinda, Harare. Child welfare advocates and community members have since expressed sympathy for the deceased, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as heartbreaking. Legal experts say the matter is still at an early stage and the accused remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Investigations into the case are continuing.

Brian Nandana

Zimbabwe News, Crime, Harare, Warren Park, Brian Nandana, Shepard Severa, Court News, Murder Case, ZRP, Breaking News