Man Arrested After Woman Dies in Alleged Home Surgery

By Staff Reporter | Chitungwiza

A 40-year-old man has been arrested following the death of a 51-year-old woman during an alleged surgical procedure at a house in Chitungwiza. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the suspect as Douglas Mutore and the deceased as Magret Gwamura.

According to police, the incident occurred on September 24, 2026, at a house in Unit D, Seke, where Mutore allegedly attempted to remove a growth from Gwamura’s throat using a surgical blade. Police said Gwamura died during the procedure, after which Mutore allegedly fled from the scene. The circumstances surrounding the alleged operation and the nature of the growth were not immediately disclosed by police.

Police attended the scene and recovered surgical instruments, blood-stained bandages and used medication, according to the ZRP. Investigations also reportedly established that Mutore was not in possession of practising certificates at the time of his arrest. The case has raised concerns over the dangers of seeking medical treatment from unregistered practitioners or outside recognised healthcare facilities.

The ZRP urged members of the public to verify the credentials of people offering medical services and to seek treatment from registered medical practitioners and recognised health institutions.

“The ZRP urges the public to verify the credentials of persons offering medical services and to seek treatment from registered medical practitioners and recognised health institutions,” police said.

The arrest follows increasing public concern over unqualified individuals offering medical services without the necessary professional registration or oversight.

Medical procedures, particularly those involving surgery, carry significant risks and require appropriate facilities, trained personnel, sterile equipment and emergency medical support. In the Chitungwiza case, police have not yet provided further details on whether the suspect had represented himself as a qualified medical practitioner or how Gwamura came to seek the alleged procedure at the house. The investigation is continuing.

Mutore is facing allegations arising from Gwamura’s death, and the case remains subject to due process. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Police have urged anyone seeking medical treatment to confirm that practitioners are properly registered before undergoing procedures.

Chitungwiza home surgery death