SHOCK and horror gripped Besa Village in Dema, Mashonaland East, after the bodies of a young mother and her two little children were discovered in a bedroom in what appears to be a double child murder followed by suicide.
Ruth Ruvarashe Chidume (35) was found hanging from a wooden beam with a nylon fabric tied around her neck, while her children Tatenda Precious Blessings Gumbo (4) and Ira Makanakaishe Gumbo (2), were found dead, blindfolded with plastic bags covering their heads, tied below the neck.
The chilling discovery was made on 9 June 2025, sparking speculation over what could have led the mother to commit such a horrifying act.
Police are treating the case as suspected murder and suicide but say a full investigation is underway.
“We are conducting thorough investigations to understand what happened. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over mental health and domestic pressures in communities.
