A Zvishavane man, Edwin Muchekayawa, 22, has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s husband, Passmore Shumba.
The shocking crime unfolded on the night of 19 August 2023, culminating in a senseless act of violence that left a community reeling. The conviction follows a full trial in Gweru, where the prosecution successfully presented a compelling case against Muchekayawa.
The court heard a chilling account of the events leading up to Shumba’s death. At approximately 11 pm on 19 August, Muchekayawa arrived at Shumba’s homestead, a place he knew intimately due to his previous relationship with Shumba’s wife. He stealthily approached the house and called Shumba out.
When Shumba emerged, Muchekayawa, armed with a catapult, struck him with a stone, targeting his ribcage. The sudden and unexpected attack left Shumba disoriented and unaware of his attacker’s identity as Muchekayawa swiftly fled the scene.
The following morning, Shumba, along with his brother Tawanda, Chengeto Nyadzo, and another individual, attempted to track down their assailant. Following a trail of footprints, they arrived at Muchekayawa’s homestead. There, they confronted him, threatening to report him to the local headman.
It was at this point that the situation escalated dramatically. Muchekayawa, seizing an axe, chased the four men. In the ensuing panic, Shumba fell to the ground. Muchekayawa caught up with him and delivered a single, fatal blow to the back of his head, behind the ear. He then abandoned his victim, leaving him lifeless in a pool of blood.
The horrific discovery prompted an immediate report to the police, leading to Muchekayawa’s swift arrest. The prosecution meticulously presented evidence detailing the events of that night, from the initial attack with the catapult to the final, deadly blow with the axe.
The court heard how the accused’s footprints led directly to his homestead, further strengthening the case against him. The evidence presented painted a clear picture of Muchekayawa’s actions and intent, leaving little room for doubt in the court’s judgment.
