By Heather Buzuzi
BULAWAYO, 29 March 2025 – A couple from Cowdray Park is living in fear after witnessing a fatal stabbing outside a local nightclub, followed by a string of violent threats and assaults aimed at silencing them for cooperating with the police.
Irene Mugombe and her husband, Taruwinga Chinowaita, say their ordeal began on December 12, 2024, when they witnessed a deadly altercation outside Makweba Night Club. The fight, reportedly between two illegal gold panners, was allegedly sparked by a dispute over a sex worker.
“One of them pulled out a knife and stabbed the other in the chest. He died on the pavement right in front of us,” Mugombe recalled.
The couple reported the murder the following morning at Cowdray Park Police Station, providing full eyewitness accounts. Their statements led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be behind the killing.
However, what followed was a campaign of intimidation.
“Soon after the arrest, people claiming to be relatives and friends of the suspect started threatening us. They told us to withdraw our statement or we would be killed,” said Mugombe.
The threats escalated into violence. Taruwinga was reportedly ambushed and beaten by unknown men in what the couple believes was a targeted attack meant to instill fear and force them into silence.
“They jumped me in broad daylight. I was beaten badly and left with bruises all over my body,” said Taruwinga. “One of the blows left a deep cut on my chin, which has now turned into a permanent scar.”
Following the assault, the couple returned to the police and filed further reports. They were referred to Mpilo Central Hospital, where Taruwinga’s injuries were medically examined and documented.
“We did everything we were supposed to do. We cooperated with police, sought medical help, but no one has been held accountable for the threats or the assault,” he said.
The situation worsened when the murder suspect was granted bail and released from custody.
“That was the scariest part,” Irene said. “The same people who were threatening us now knew we had no protection.”
A senior officer at Cowdray Park Police Station, who spoke to The Wasu Post on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the couple reported the murder and the subsequent threats and assault.
“Yes, the reports were made, and the victims were referred for medical attention,” the officer said. “Investigations were opened, but some suspects could not be immediately located. The case remains active.”
The incident has sparked fresh concern in Cowdray Park over the rising violence linked to illegal mining syndicates and the growing danger faced by witnesses and whistleblowers.
Residents say the atmosphere in the area has grown tense and fearful, with most community members unwilling to speak up.
“These gangs walk around like they are untouchable. People are scared. Even witnesses know they’re on their own,” said a resident who asked not to be named.
Despite the risks, Irene and Taruwinga say they stand by their decision to report what they saw.
“We told the truth because we believed justice would be served,” Taruwinga said. “But now we live in fear every day—for doing the right thing.”