Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – Police have launched investigations into the murder of a 30-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a forest near her family’s garden in Mwenezi.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Mildred Mushava of Shindi Village under Chief Chitanga.
“Investigations are underway and we appeal to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station,” said Dhewa adding that signs of a struggle were observed at the scene.
She had been staying with her father-in-law, Samuel Chidavira (65), while her husband was working in South Africa.
According to police, on July 3 at around 11am, Mushava went alone to a garden along the Muzhanjire River carrying a 20-litre plastic bucket and a garden axe.
When she had not returned home by about 6pm, her father-in-law alerted relatives, who organised a search party.
Along the path leading to the garden, the search party found her bucket and garden axe.
They later spoke to children who were passing through the area, and the children said they had seen a woman lying in the forest and appearing to be in pain.
The search party proceeded to the spot and found Mushava dead. Firewood was scattered nearby, and police observed a deep wound on the back of her head, suggesting she had been assaulted.
Her body was taken to Neshuro Hospital for a post-mortem.
