NORTON
–
The
discovery
of
two
bodies
in
the
Katanga
area
of
Norton
this
week
has
sparked
concerns
over
possible
ritualistic
killings
and
fears
of
a
serial
killer
on
the
loose.
The
victims
are
both
local
residents.
On
August
25,
the
body
of
Patrice
Chipaumire,
40,
was
found
under
disturbing
circumstances.
Police
said
his
body
was
lying
along
a
footpath
near
Knowe-Katanga
Road
“with
a
deep
cut
on
the
throat,
flesh
removed
from
the
right
cheek
and
with
the
left
arm
and
genitals
mutilated.”
The
following
morning,
the
body
of
Jack
Gedion
was
discovered
in
a
similar
state
nearby.
The
discovery
of
the
bodies
has
led
to
widespread
speculation
about
the
possibility
of
a
serial
killer
operating
in
the
community.
Norton
legislator
Richard
Tsvangirayi
said
the
events
marked
“two
very
dark
days”
for
the
community.
“I
share
in
the
deep
sorrow
and
shock
these
events
have
caused.
My
heartfelt
condolences
go
to
the
families
who
have
lost
their
loved
ones
under
such
painful
circumstances,”
Tsvangirayi
said
in
a
statement
on
Wednesday.
“Please
know
that
your
grief
is
our
grief,
and
you
are
not
alone
during
this
time.”
The
MP
said
he
had
visited
the
bereaved
families
to
offer
solidarity
and
pledged
to
continue
supporting
them
as
investigations
unfold.
Tsvangirayi
also
revealed
that
he
had
engaged
law
enforcement
authorities,
who
have
since
launched
investigations
into
the
deaths.
“Justice
must
not
only
be
done,
it
must
be
seen
to
be
done.
We
will
not
rest
until
answers
are
found
and
those
responsible
are
held
accountable,”
he
said.
He
further
called
on
police
to
increase
patrols
in
Katanga
to
reassure
residents
and
improve
community
safety
in
the
wake
of
the
incidents.
Residents
have
demanded
street
lighting.
“To
the
people
of
Norton,
I
urge
you
to
remain
vigilant
and
avoid
unnecessary
movements
during
late
hours.
While
fear
and
uncertainty
weigh
heavily
on
us,
let
us
not
lose
our
sense
of
community.
Let
us
watch
over
one
another,
support
the
grieving,
and
remain
calm
as
investigations
unfold,”
Tsvangirayi
urged.