A man originally from Zimbabwe, Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera, was found dead in Salford in December 2023, prompting renewed police investigation and an inquest that highlighted significant unresolved questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Julius, 43, was reported missing on October 24, 2023. His body was discovered six weeks later on December 7 in dense undergrowth behind a property at 99 Great Cheetham Street West, Higher Broughton, Salford. The discovery came shortly after a witness reported conversations suggesting foul play at the same address, which is occupied by associates of the deceased.

The inquest, held in August 2024 at Bolton coroners court and presided over by Coroner Tim Brennand, concluded that Julius’s death was not natural and likely resulted from an unlawful attack. Evidence revealed a shallow stab wound to the cartilage of his thorax, likely inflicted by a bladed instrument shortly before his death. The wound, considered serious enough to cause significant bleeding, was probably inflicted in the garden area of the property where three men linked to Julius lived.

Coroner Brennand described Julius as a “gentle man” and “a helpful and valued member of the community,” who was neither violent nor looking for trouble. However, he noted that Julius appeared vulnerable, possibly subject to coercion or control, and that he may have made unwise associations. The coroner suggested the most plausible scenario involved an intoxicated assailant attacking Julius during an argument over a missing bottle of cider, which was later recovered from the scene. Julius possibly fled the attack and collapsed in the undergrowth where his body was found.

Testimony at the inquest centered partly on a witness, Dorothy Wood, who reported a conversation with one of the occupants of the house, Bennett Benjamin Nkonjera, in early December 2023. According to Wood, Nkonjera admitted involvement in Julius’s death, reenacted a stabbing motion, and expressed remorse. Nkonjera denied the conversation occurred and criticized the witness’s account. Police subsequently searched the property and recovered Julius’s body nearby.

Nkonjera and two other men, Josphat Mkonowatsauwg and Louis Chirimumvura, were arrested on suspicion of murder but were released without charge. All three attended the inquest and denied knowledge of Julius’s death. The coroner criticized their accounts as inconsistent or evasive, suggesting a possible conspiracy of silence, potential assistance to offenders, and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

Julius’s family expressed frustration over the lack of progress and welcomed the coroner’s call for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to reassess the case. GMP confirmed it was reviewing the investigation following the inquest’s findings. Family members believe that some within the local Zimbabwean community were aware of Julius’s death before his body was found and remain determined to secure justice.

Originally from a small town near Harare, Zimbabwe, Julius came to the UK in 2001 to pursue a nursing career, which he did not realize. He lived in Leicester before moving to Manchester in 2012, struggling with a restrictive immigration status, financial hardship, and alcoholism. On his final evening, evidence indicates he purchased sausages at a Tesco in Pendleton before arriving at the Great Cheetham Street West address late at night.

Authorities have urged anyone with further information to contact the Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team or report anonymously through Crimestoppers. The case remains open as police continue to investigate the unresolved circumstances of Julius Matera’s death.