Police have been informed that a man whose body had been lying for eight weeks had been stabbed. The remains of Tanyaradzwa Matera, 43, known to his family as Julius, were found on December 7 at the edge of a playing field.
Today (July 19), police revealed they believe he was killed on the night of October 13-14. His body has not been found because it was partially hidden by a thicket of Japanese knotweed.
After Julius was reported missing on October 24, police registered his case as a high-risk missing person. Following information received, police searched a house on Great Cheetham Street West in Salford. They also searched an area of dense bush behind it, next to Broughton Cricket and Rugby Club, where they found his body.
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Eight months after the body was found, police have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses. Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith said: “Three suspects remain on bail. We have extended their bail while we carry out our inquiries. The next step will be to interview them again in the coming weeks.”
Explaining how Julius was eventually found, she said: “We received information that a party had taken place at the address on Great Cheetham Street West and at that party someone had revealed that Julius was dead and had been stabbed.
“It was following this that Salford District Police executed a warrant at the address provided and secured the address as the scene of the incident. They then examined the rear of the property.
“The house is occupied by several people – it has five bedrooms – and appears to be a place where people gather to socialise. I believe Julius went to that address that evening.” Police believe Julius was killed at that address.
Police have struggled to get witnesses to come forward. “We believe there are people in the community who may know what happened to Julius and why. We know that sometimes, for many different reasons, some people feel it’s wrong to talk to the police. But we have to do our job and we have a duty to find answers for Julius’ family.”
“Greater Manchester Police have a team still working to find out what happened to Julius, and we will continue until we have answers. We are very determined. If you know anything about what happened to Julius or why, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
“Were you on or near Great Cheetham Street West in Salford on Friday the 13th?th or Saturday 14thth “When are you dying? October 2023? Do you have any information on what happened to Julius? Any information you have could help provide answers to a grieving family. No matter how insignificant the information may seem, it could be vital to our investigation.”
Julius moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2001, initially to Leicestershire. He moved to Manchester in 2012. He lived in accommodation in Eccles that the Home Office had arranged for him while he awaited a decision on his status regarding his application to remain in the UK. He did not work as he was unable to while he tried to resolve his application for legal residence.
Anyone with information can call 0161 856 3635, quoting log number 218 of 07/12/2023. Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be uploaded to the GMP Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23F27-PO1
