Mutare Man Charged with Murder After Woman Is Doused with Suspected Acid

MUTARE

Mutare — A Mutare man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a 39-year-old woman who was allegedly doused with a highly corrosive liquid believed to be sulphuric acid in a suspected crime of passion. Tawanda Kapfumo, of Zororo, Sakubva, appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa last Tuesday, facing murder charges. He was remanded to 3 March 2026 and granted US$200 bail.

The deceased, Siphumile Saruwaka, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the attack, which prosecutors say was linked to a bitter love triangle involving Kapfumo and a local mechanic, Prince Toga.

Alleged Motive and Events Leading to the Attack

Prosecutor Sandra Mlambo told the court that Kapfumo had been romantically involved with Saruwaka, who was also allegedly in a relationship with Toga. Two days before the attack, Kapfumo is said to have taken Saruwaka to a lodge in Chikanga, where Toga allegedly found the pair together. The encounter reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation.

Following the incident, Kapfumo allegedly began sending threatening messages to both Saruwaka and Toga.

The Fatal Attack

On Saturday, Kapfumo is alleged to have tracked the couple in Mutare. After Toga reportedly left Saruwaka, who was said to be intoxicated alone in a parked vehicle near Blue Star Workshop, Kapfumo allegedly approached the car and poured sulphuric acid over her before fleeing the scene.

Toga later returned, discovered Saruwaka in distress, and attempted to administer first aid before rushing her to the hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries, with medical reports indicating extensive chemical burns.

Bail Conditions and Community Reaction

As part of his bail conditions, Kapfumo is required to continue residing at his stated address and report as directed. Saruwaka was a well-known figure in Mutare’s social football circles, playing for Fairpark Stars Football Club. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with friends, teammates, and socialites gathering to mourn her. She was affectionately known as “Tete.”

The matter remains under investigation, and Kapfumo is yet to enter a plea. As with all criminal proceedings, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Tawanda Kapfumo murder charge