A 44-year-old man from Boroma under Chief Murinye was fatally attacked after being lured to a homestead through a deceptive WhatsApp exchange linked to a mufushwa (dried vegetables) advertisement.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, urging members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully.
“People should seek help from family members, church leaders or the police instead of resorting to violence,” he said.
Police identified the suspect as Theophilous Mutikani (25), who allegedly killed Edmore Rugara (44) on the night of March 19, 2026, after suspecting him of having an affair with his wife.
According to police, the incident began when Mutikani’s wife posted a mufushwa advert in a WhatsApp farmers’ group. Rugara reportedly responded privately, raising Mutikani’s suspicions.
Mutikani is said to have taken control of his wife’s phone and continued communicating with Rugara while posing as her.
The following evening, Rugara travelled to the homestead expecting to meet the woman and was invited inside.
Once inside, Mutikani allegedly attacked him with a machete.
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Despite sustaining serious injuries, Rugara managed to flee and ran several kilometres to a nearby village, where he later died before receiving medical assistance.
Mutikani was arrested and investigations are ongoing. Rugara’s body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem.
Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa, confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was also handled traditionally.
The deceased’s family initially demanded 10 cattle in compensation but later agreed to seven—five as compensation, one for funeral expenses and one for the chief’s court.
The chief said the family reduced their demand after considering the circumstances surrounding the incident.
