Rusape Village Head Found Dead at Home as Police Investigate

By Southerton Business Times | Rusape

Police in Manicaland are investigating the death of a 69-year-old village head from Rusape whose body was discovered at his home on Tuesday. The deceased, Lukas Mudewaire, of Mudewaire Village, was found by his 76-year-old brother, who had gone to check on his welfare after he had been living alone.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying police attended the scene after receiving a report from the deceased's brother.

"On August 4, he visited his brother and discovered that the bedroom door was open. He knocked on the door, and no one answered," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

"Concerned, the brother entered the house and found Mudewaire lying on the floor with no signs of life."

Police said officers who attended the scene found no visible injuries on the body. An empty 500ml container was recovered from inside the house as part of the investigation.

The body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations are continuing and police are awaiting the post-mortem results before drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the death.

The incident has renewed attention on the importance of regular welfare checks for elderly people and others who live alone, particularly in rural communities where social isolation can go unnoticed. Community leaders and social welfare advocates encourage families, neighbours and local leadership structures to maintain regular contact with older residents and to look out for signs that someone may need practical or emotional support. Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing.

Rusape village head found dead