By TellZim Reporter
MASVINGO – A domestic dispute ended in tragedy, in Chief Budzi area, Bikita after a 31-year-old man from Buhera allegedly took his own life after drinking a suspected poisonous substance during a domestic dispute at his in-laws’ homestead on February 27, 2026.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to look for peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
“Suicide is not an option and we encourage couples facing challenges to involve third parties when disputes arise,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.
The deceased, Courage Zvoumba (31) of Chief Nyashanu, Buhera, had reportedly travelled to Chief Budzi to resolve a marital dispute with his wife. During the meeting, a quarrel allegedly broke out after the wife accused him of being abusive and violent and declared she was no longer interested in continuing the marriage.
In a dramatic turn of events, Zvoumba allegedly produced a 500ml container with an unknown liquid and consumed its contents. He reportedly collapsed shortly afterwards and began vomiting. Efforts by his wife and mother-in-law to administer first aid were unsuccessful and he died on the spot. His body was taken to Silveria Mission Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
In a similar incident in Chivi, a domestic dispute over suspected infidelity ended in a double tragedy after a woman died from complications of a bite wound before her husband was later found hanging near their home.
According to Police reports, the couple allegedly had a misunderstanding at their home around 10PM on February 13 over suspected infidelity. The dispute reportedly turned physical when Mbathane grabbed Mataga’s private parts. In an attempt to free himself, Mataga allegedly bit her right arm, inflicting a deep wound.
Mbathane did not immediately seek medical attention. Days later, her condition reportedly worsened as the wound became severely infected. She was admitted at Chivi District Hospital in critical condition on February 19 and was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital the following morning. She died on the way along the Tokwe-Mandamabwe Road.
Her body was taken back to Chivi District Hospital for a post-mortem.
Later that same day at around 4PM, Mataga’s body was discovered hanging from a tree branch on a mountain approximately 200 metres from their home.
