A New Mabvuku man has appeared in court facing charges of murder and attempted murder after allegedly dousing his ex-wife and her male friend with petrol and setting them on fire during a confrontation over a suspected affair.
The woman later died from her injuries in hospital.
Tapiwa Makore, 33, of New Mabvuku, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing murder and attempted murder charges. He is due back in court on May 15.
The court heard that the now-deceased woman had gone to her ex-husband’s residence to collect her belongings, accompanied by her male friend, Sympson Mutero.
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On January 27, 2026, upon arrival, the pair reportedly entered the accused’s cabin house where he was asleep. The accused is said to have woken up and confronted Mutero, accusing him of having an affair with his ex-wife.
In a sudden escalation, Makore allegedly splashed petrol on Mutero and threw a lit matchstick, setting him on fire. The flames reportedly spread to the woman, prompting an attempt to extinguish the fire before the accused allegedly reignited it using a cigarette lighter.
Mutero managed to escape, while the accused allegedly chased after him, leaving the woman engulfed in flames.
The court further heard that the injured woman was later assisted by a witness who rushed her to ZRP Hospital before she was transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Mabvuku for further treatment.
She succumbed to her injuries on January 28, 2026, at around 2100 hours while admitted in hospital.
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