Zaka Man Accused of Raping Teen Girl Found Dead Hanging From Tree

A 63-year-old man from Zaka in Masvingo Province who had allegedly been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl was found dead hanging from a tree on the same day the matter was reported to police. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, which occurred in Chamunorwa Village under Chief Bota in Zaka.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Kudakwashe Dehwa identified the deceased as Godfrey Chinguni.

“We have a report of a man who was found hanging from a tree. He had allegedly been reported for raping a 14-year-old girl from Zaka on May 18, 2026, and the case was reported to Zaka Police Station,” said Inspector Dehwa.

According to police, Chinguni’s wife reportedly left him at home at around 2 pm to visit neighbours in the area.

Their 15-year-old son later returned home from school at approximately 4 pm and allegedly discovered the body hanging from a tree branch near the homestead. Villagers and neighbours were alerted before police officers attended the scene. Authorities said investigations into the matter are still ongoing. The tragic incident has sparked renewed concern over mental health challenges, trauma, and the social impact of criminal allegations within rural communities. Community leaders in Masvingo said families facing serious accusations or emotional distress should seek counselling and intervention before situations escalate into tragedy.

In a separate incident, police confirmed that a 44-year-old man from Triangle in Chiredzi was also found dead after reportedly going missing for several weeks. The deceased, identified as Shingirirai Makafara of Village 1D, Monyoroka, had allegedly disappeared on 1 May 2026 after leaving home early in the morning without informing relatives where he was going. According to police, Makafara’s 15-year-old son discovered the body hanging from a tree on 19 May while searching for cattle in nearby grazing lands. Authorities said the body was already in a decomposed state when it was found. The remains were taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Inspector Dehwa said police do not currently suspect foul play in the Triangle incident.

Following the incidents, police urged members of the public facing emotional, legal, or social difficulties to seek counselling and support rather than resorting to self-harm.

“Members of the public are urged not to terminate their lives whenever they face difficulties, but to seek counselling from religious leaders, police officers, and Victim Friendly Unit members because life is important,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Mental health advocates say stigma surrounding emotional distress and lack of access to counselling services remain major challenges in many Zimbabwean communities. Harare-based social worker Tsitsi Machingura said communities should strengthen support systems for vulnerable individuals and families.

“People dealing with accusations, trauma, or personal crises often isolate themselves. Early intervention and accessible counselling can save lives,” she said.

Zaka suicide case

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