Makonde – A jilted lover stands accused of attempted murder after allegedly setting his former girlfriend and her new partner alight in a horrific act of revenge after reportedly finding them having what looked like monkey-style sex.
Eustyn Moyo, a 33-year-old man from Nyajena Mine in the Kenzamba area of Makonde, Mashonaland West Province, is now in police custody following the shocking incident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed the arrest and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, which has left two individuals with severe burns and fighting for their lives.
According to Mashonaland West Police Spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, the incident unfolded on the night of November 12th. Watson Kazembe, a 29-year-old man from Patchway in Kadoma, had paid a visit to his girlfriend, Barbra Zimbiti, a 22-year-old resident of Chief Mutowa’s area in Chehonye, Kenzamba.
Inspector Kohwera detailed the sequence of events, stating that Kazembe arrived at Zimbiti’s residence at approximately 9 PM. The couple retired to bed in the early hours of the morning at around around 2:00 AM, before they started to enjoy the juicy horizontal gymnastics.
Tragedy struck shortly thereafter, as the family members residing at the homestead were abruptly roused from their sleep by a commotion emanating from Zimbiti’s house.
“After hearing the noise, the family members woke up and rushed to see what was happening, where they found the entire house engulfed in flames,” Inspector Kohwera stated.
The intensity of the blaze quickly drew the attention of other villagers, who bravely rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts. Together, they battled the inferno, eventually managing to extinguish the flames. However, the damage had already been done.
“Other villagers were alerted and rushed to rescue them and managed to extinguish the fire, which left the two with burns all over their bodies,” Inspector Kohwera confirmed.
Kazembe and Zimbiti sustained extensive burn injuries as a result of the fire. They were immediately rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for urgent medical attention. Due to the severity of their condition, they were subsequently transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, where they are currently receiving specialist treatment. Their condition remains critical.
The police swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, seeking to determine the cause of the fire and identify any potential suspects. Their inquiries led them to focus on Eustyn Moyo, Zimbiti’s former boyfriend.
“Police then began investigations and received information that on the day of the incident, Eustyn Moyo had been seen visiting Barbra Zimbiti, where they were heard arguing over the division of property, as the two are said to have been in a relationship before,” Inspector Kohwera revealed.
The information gathered by the police suggests that Moyo had visited Zimbiti earlier that day, and the two had engaged in a heated argument. The subject of their dispute reportedly centred on the division of assets, hinting at a potentially acrimonious separation.
The police are now treating the incident as a case of attempted murder, with Moyo as the prime suspect. He was apprehended and is currently assisting the police with their investigations.
As the investigation continues, the ZRP is appealing to the public for any information that may assist in piecing together the events leading up to the fire.
“Meanwhile, police are encouraging members of the public with any information regarding the incident to report it to the Officer-In-Charge at Kenzamba ZRP or to any nearby police station,” Inspector Kohwera urged.
The police spokesperson also took the opportunity to address the wider issue of domestic disputes and the importance of peaceful resolution. He emphasised that violence is never the answer and that there are always alternative ways to resolve conflicts.
“As police, we continue to encourage and warn the public to seek amicable ways of resolving disputes instead of resorting to violence or attempted murder. Love begins and can also end, so there is no reason to fight. One can always find someone who satisfies them in love more than the one they separated from,” Inspector Kohwera stated.
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