MIDWEEK REPORTER
MASHAVA-Takudzwa Chinounye (30) died from injuries sustained while fighting an alleged lover to his wife, Patience Badza (19) of King Mine, Mashava.
The incident occurred on 16 December 2025 at around 7pm. Police said Chinounye went to King Mine Section 2, where he allegedly found his wife, Patience Badza aged 19, in the company of Patrick Mapfumo aged 35 of Vhondo Village, Chirumhanzu. Suspecting that the two were having an affair, Chinounye confronted Mapfumo, leading to a fight. During the altercation, Mapfumo was allegedly joined by his friend, Ephraim Dzingiswai of Kingmine, and the two allegedly severely assaulted Chinounye using sticks and stones. Chinounye reportedly managed to escape and returned home, where he slept on the floor. Later that night, a relative, Tawanda Hapazari aged 24, found Chinounye unresponsive but continued with his journey after getting no response. The following morning at around 6am, Chinounye’s wife noticed her husband was not breathing and reported the matter to the police in Mashava.
Patience told the police that Chinounye had come home drunk, slept, and later died. However, following investigations and a post-mortem examination, it was established that he died from head injuries and trauma consistent with assault. Following the post-mortem results, police arrested Ephraim Dzingiswai, who is now in custody, while Patrick Mapfumo is on the run.
Police also arrested Chinounye’s wife, Patience Badza, for allegedly lying and misleading investigators. In addition, her neighbours, Grace Garai and Peter Shumba aged 42, the husband to Grace Garai, were arrested for allegedly providing false information surrounding Chinounye’s death.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Masvingo Province police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa urged members of the public to avoid violence when resolving domestic and personal disputes. He also warned against giving false information to police, saying it delays investigations and interferes with the course of justice.
“Members of the public are advised not to use violence whenever there are misunderstandings. The best approach is to involve third parties to help resolve disputes peacefully,” said Inspector Dhewa.
He appealed to anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mapfumo to report to the nearest police station.
