UNITED STATES: Zimbabwean woman (48) shot dead; boyfriend (27) arrested and charged with murder

By Crime Correspondent

UNITED STATES: A Zimbabwean woman was reportedly shot dead in Georgia earlier this week and her boyfriend has since been arrested and charged with murder.

According to local reports a 48-year-old woman dead from gunshot wounds in an apartment in Athens, Georgia on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities were unable to immediately make public her identity because of difficulty in locating family members to make the formal death notification.

She was later identified as Zimbabwean Esnati Thalani Gurura.

Athens County Coroner Sonny Wilson said Friday he was able to get assistance in the notification process from Gurura’s relatives in Canada, who informed her mother in Zimbabwe and brother in South Africa.

Police also confirmed that a man was arrested Tuesday in connection with Gurura’s death

He was identified as her boyfriend, 27-year-old Kendall Elon Boone of Royale Road, where police discovered Gurura’s body after receiving a tip.

He is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Gurura was killed instantly when she was shot in the face, in an apparent act of domestic violence.

Meanwhile, her tragic passing left “behind a community in deep sorrow. Known for her vibrant spirit, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones, Esnati’s untimely passing has left a profound void in the hearts of family and friends.”

A GoFundMe appeal has since been launched to raise funds for “the repatriation of Esnati’s body back home to Zimbabwe, where she will be laid to rest surrounded by her family and friends”.

The appeal seeks to raise US$10,000 with contributions having reached US$1,800 as of Saturday.

“Esnati was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, known for her vibrant spirit, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones. Her sudden departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her,” said Ashley Gurura who is organising this fundraiser.

“In this difficult time, we are reaching out to seek your support to help repatriate Esnati’s body back home to Zimbabwe where she can be laid to rest surrounded by her family and friends.”

She added, “A proper send-off is essential for honouring her memory and allowing her loved ones to say their final goodbyes.

“The costs associated with transporting her remains and arranging a meaningful memorial service are significant, and we are asking for any assistance you can provide.”