A 19-year-old man was caught by police in Zimbabwe after he killed two people and hurt two more during a funeral service that lasted all night.

Liberty Sibanda was arrested after a violent event on August 3rd at a prayer meeting in Mashavele Village, Chikombedzi. The mourners had come together to remember a family member who had passed away when Sibanda suddenly attacked with a sharp object.

Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri from the Criminal Investigations Department said, “The victims were sitting close to a fire when the attacker came out of his room and hurt one person with a sharp weapon. When others tried to stop him, they were also attacked.”

The injured people were taken to hospitals by emergency workers. One mourner died because of injuries to the neck, while two others were hurt in the back but were treated and sent home.

Sibanda appeared in court in Chikombedzi on August 8th. The judge told him to stay in jail until his next court date on August 21st. He is charged with murder and attempted murder.

This violent event happened soon after another attack at a funeral in nearby Mukuwo Village. There, a woman was killed and three others were hurt by an unknown attacker. Police are still looking for the suspect and have asked the public to share any helpful information.

Police officers are asking people to solve problems peacefully. Detective Inspector Muteweri said, “We advise against using violence to fix conflicts.”

The police continue to investigate both attacks as the local community is deeply affected by the recent violence.