The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over a spate of murders, attempted murders and suicides linked to domestic disputes, with five people dead and at least four others hospitalised in critical condition in just three days.
In a statement issued on 24 September 2026, ZRP Chief Staff Officer Press and Public Relations Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the cases, which involve couples and family members, had resulted in loss of life and serious injury, and urged Zimbabweans to seek peaceful means of resolving differences.
In the most harrowing case, police said Emily Takadii, 23, of Maisa Village in Zhombe, allegedly had a misunderstanding with her husband on 21 September over allegations of infidelity.
She is alleged to have given a poisonous substance to her two sons — Shyne Tavatya, aged six, and Sean Tavatya, aged nine — before ingesting the same substance herself.
The two children died upon admission at Kwekwe District Hospital. Takadii remains admitted at the same hospital in a critical condition.
In Glen View 3, Harare, a couple reportedly experiencing marital difficulties were found dead in their bedroom on 23 September.
Police identified them as Nyasha Mhungu, 35, and Olga Muzhingi, 30. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
A day earlier, on 22 September, at Marowa Village in Mukumbura, Robert Tashinga, 50, allegedly struck his wife Nollent Sinosi, 36, with an axe following a dispute over alleged infidelity.
The victim died on the spot, while the suspect reportedly fled the scene. Police say he is still at large.
Also on 22 September, in Omeath Extension, Mvurwi, police arrested Kudakwashe Rangarirai, 27, in connection with murder and attempted murder.
Rangarirai allegedly killed his two-year-old stepson, Prince Owen Mugari, and seriously injured his 23-year-old wife before ingesting a poisonous substance.
He is currently admitted at Mvurwi Hospital. His wife was transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, where she remains in a critical condition.
In Nyamhunga, Kariba, police arrested Emmanuel Mpofu, 33, for attempted murder after he allegedly severely assaulted his 25-year-old wife following allegations of infidelity. The victim is receiving treatment at Kariba Hospital.
The ZRP has urged couples and family members to use peaceful and lawful means to resolve disputes.
“Members of the public are encouraged to seek counselling and involve trusted third parties, including traditional leaders, church leaders and professional counsellors, when faced with marital or domestic challenges,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over a spate of murders, attempted murders and suicides linked to domestic disputes, with five people dead and at least four others hospitalised in critical condition in just three days.
In a statement issued on 24 September 2026, ZRP Chief Staff Officer Press and Public Relations Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the cases, which involve couples and family members, had resulted in loss of life and serious injury, and urged Zimbabweans to seek peaceful means of resolving differences.
In the most harrowing case, police said Emily Takadii, 23, of Maisa Village in Zhombe, allegedly had a misunderstanding with her husband on 21 September over allegations of infidelity.
She is alleged to have given a poisonous substance to her two sons — Shyne Tavatya, aged six, and Sean Tavatya, aged nine — before ingesting the same substance herself.
The two children died upon admission at Kwekwe District Hospital. Takadii remains admitted at the same hospital in a critical condition.
In Glen View 3, Harare, a couple reportedly experiencing marital difficulties were found dead in their bedroom on 23 September.
Police identified them as Nyasha Mhungu, 35, and Olga Muzhingi, 30. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
A day earlier, on 22 September, at Marowa Village in Mukumbura, Robert Tashinga, 50, allegedly struck his wife Nollent Sinosi, 36, with an axe following a dispute over alleged infidelity.
The victim died on the spot, while the suspect reportedly fled the scene. Police say he is still at large.
Also on 22 September, in Omeath Extension, Mvurwi, police arrested Kudakwashe Rangarirai, 27, in connection with murder and attempted murder.
Rangarirai allegedly killed his two-year-old stepson, Prince Owen Mugari, and seriously injured his 23-year-old wife before ingesting a poisonous substance.
He is currently admitted at Mvurwi Hospital. His wife was transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, where she remains in a critical condition.
In Nyamhunga, Kariba, police arrested Emmanuel Mpofu, 33, for attempted murder after he allegedly severely assaulted his 25-year-old wife following allegations of infidelity. The victim is receiving treatment at Kariba Hospital.
The ZRP has urged couples and family members to use peaceful and lawful means to resolve disputes.
“Members of the public are encouraged to seek counselling and involve trusted third parties, including traditional leaders, church leaders and professional counsellors, when faced with marital or domestic challenges,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
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