UK: Cause of death of Zim murder victim remains unclear month after body was found

By Manchester Evening News

UNITED KINGDOM: Almost a month after the discovery of a body, a cause of death has yet to be established for a Salford murder victim. GMP has confirmed further tests are being conducted into how Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera died.

Known to his family as Julius, his body was found on the edge of playing fields on December 7. He had been reported missing on October 24 after not being seen for several days at his place of residence in Eccles.

Police recorded ‘Julius’ as a high-risk missing person and began an investigation to locate him. As a result of information received police searched an area of rough ground and dense shrubbery at Broughton Cricket and Rugby Club – situated behind a house in Great Cheetham Street West, Salford. The human remains of Julius were found at around 2.35am on Thursday 7 December.

Police believe Julius died where his body was found but are still to determine how long it had been in that location.

Jukius’ family paid tribute to him as a “true friend and hero”. In a statement the family of the 43-year-old said: “A tribute to a true friend and hero in our lives, our family will never be the same after the unfortunate and abrupt ending to the life of Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera.

“Tanyaradzwa was always our template for the qualities of love, empathy and humility. He showed us how to smile all the time and we feel robbed.

A statement on behalf of the Zimbabwean community said: “We remember a loyal and caring man whose life has been taken away. His contribution to the Manchester community covered all areas of politics, social entertainment, and community cohesion.”

After the discovery of Julius’ body two men were arrested at the scene with a further man later arrested, all on suspicion of murder. They have been released on bail pending further investigation. GMP believe Julius died where he was found but said “the cause of death remains withdrawn pending further examination”.

Officers are still appealing to anyone who might have any information into Julius’ death to please get in touch with police, this includes any relevant footage such as mobile, doorbell, CCTV or dashcam to contact us on 0161 856 3635, quoting log number 218 of 07/12/2023