BUHERA – A 34-year-old man from Buhera is currently recovering from serious injuries after being brutally assaulted and robbed of US$425 by two suspects who accused him of engaging in an extramarital affair with one of their wives.
The incident occurred on June 21, at Dune Primary School, located within Chief Nyashanu’s area, leaving the victim, Joe Dune, with significant head injuries and a substantial financial loss.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, stating that police investigations are underway. “We are investigating a case of robbery as defined in Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, whereby two suspects — Nomore Makuva and Gift Chimwaza — alleged to have committed the offence, are still at large. The police are appealing to anyone with information on their whereabouts to report to the nearest police station,” he said.
According to Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, the confrontation began when Makuva allegedly discovered suspicious lula lula text messages on his wife, Sarudzai Sithole’s mobile phone, which he believed were from Dune.
“Makuva confronted Dune about the alleged affair. Dune, who denied the accusations, suggested they ask the wife to clarify the matter,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
In a dramatic twist, Sithole denied the affair and stated that the text messages in question were not from Dune. This denial reportedly enraged Makuva, leading to a violent outburst. “Upon hearing this, Makuva became violent and assaulted Dune with his fists all over the body. The situation escalated when Chimwaza, who had been watching from a distance, joined in. Chimwaza approached the scene carrying a wooden log and struck Dune once on the head and he collapsed,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
As Dune lay helpless on the ground, the alleged attackers continued their assault. “While Dune was down, Makuva rummaged through his pockets and took away a wallet containing US$425 before fleeing the scene with it,” assessed Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The matter was reported to the police shortly afterwards, and officers promptly attended the scene. Dune was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained during the attack.
“The stolen money was not recovered and the two suspects, both of whom are known in the community, have not yet been apprehended. The suspects are wanted for robbery and assault. We urge members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Allegations of adultery, like any other civil or criminal dispute, should be resolved through legal channels,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He also urged communities to report such incidents early to prevent further violence. “It is regrettable that disputes of this nature are escalating into physical violence and theft. This kind of behaviour not only endangers lives, but also tears apart the fabric of our communities. We are urging people to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through peaceful and lawful means. No matter how emotionally charged a situation may be, resorting to fists, weapons, or robbery can never be justified,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka further emphasised the role of the police and community leaders in conflict resolution. “Our doors are always open. Anyone who feels wronged should come forward and lodge a complaint. We are equipped to handle these matters in a lawful manner. It is essential for people to understand that taking the law into their own hands only leads to criminal consequences, including arrests, court trials, and imprisonment,” he said.
The police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Nomore Makuva and Gift Chimwaza to contact their nearest police station.
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