Harare, (New Ziana) – A disturbing series of incidents involving couples and family members has left several people dead and others nursing serious injuries, prompting police to call for greater use of peaceful and lawful ways of resolving domestic disputes.
The incidents, recorded in different parts of the country between September 21 and 23, 2026, include suspected murder, attempted murder and suicide cases, with allegations of infidelity featuring in several of the disputes.
In a statement, police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the developments were a cause for concern, particularly because domestic disagreements were increasingly resulting in loss of life and serious injuries.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with cases of murder, attempted murder and suicide involving couples and family members arising from domestic disputes. Some of the incidents have resulted in loss of lives and serious injuries,” Nyathi said.
One of the most tragic incidents was reported on September 21 at Maisa Village in Zhombe, where a family dispute allegedly ended with the deaths of two children.
Police said 23-year-old Emily Takadii allegedly had a misunderstanding with her husband over allegations of infidelity before allegedly giving a poisonous substance to her two sons, six-year-old Shyne Tavatya and nine-year-old Sean Tavatya.
The two children died at Kwekwe District Hospital, while their mother was reported to be in critical condition at the same hospital.
In Glen View 3, Harare, police are investigating the deaths of a couple who were reportedly experiencing marital problems.
Nyasha Mhungu, 35, and Olga Muzhingi, 30, were found dead in their bedroom on September 23. Police said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Another fatal domestic dispute was reported at Marowa Village in Mukumbura on September 22.
Robert Tashinga, 50, allegedly attacked his wife, Nollent Sinosi, 36, with an axe following a misunderstanding over allegations of infidelity. Sinosi died at the scene, while Tashinga reportedly fled.
In Omeath Extension, Mvurwi, a domestic dispute also resulted in the death of a child and serious injuries to a woman.
Police said the suspect allegedly killed his two-year-old stepson, Prince Owen Mugari, and seriously injured his 23-year-old wife before ingesting a poisonous substance. The suspect is receiving treatment at Mvurwi Hospital, while his wife is in critical condition at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
Police also arrested 33-year-old Emmanuel Mpofu in Nyamhunga, Kariba, in connection with an attempted murder case.
Mpofu allegedly severely assaulted his 25-year-old wife following allegations of infidelity. The victim is currently receiving treatment at Kariba Hospital.
The string of cases has highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts, with the police urging families not to allow disagreements to escalate into violence or other actions that can have irreversible consequences.
Nyathi urged couples and family members experiencing domestic challenges to seek assistance and use lawful avenues to settle their differences.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges couples and family members to seek peaceful and lawful means of resolving their differences,” he said.
He encouraged members of the public to seek counselling and to involve trusted individuals and community structures when confronted with difficult marital or domestic situations.
“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,” Nyathi said.
The police appeal places emphasis on early intervention, dialogue and support from trusted community and professional structures as ways of preventing domestic disagreements from escalating into violence and loss of life.
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