HIV+ man sets himself ablaze after being denied sex

A 34-year-old Chitungwiza man believed to have been HIV-positive, allegedly burnt himself to death in protest over being denied conjugal rights by his estranged wife.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda confirmed the incident and said the deceased had been identified as Arum Jeke (34) of Unit M.

"On May 11 at around 0900hours, the man was left alone eating porridge in the bedroom by his wife, who went to attend to their two children outside," he said.

Insp Chibanda said the wife later saw smoke coming out of the house and rushed back to investigate. She discovered that the bedroom was on fire and yelled for help from neighbours.

The wife and her neighbours managed to extinguish the fire but discovered that Jeke had died in the inferno.

It was alleged that Jeke committed suicide by covering himself with blankets over a burning paraffin stove.

A report was made to the police and the man's body was taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital mortuary.

Witnesses said the couple had been having a long standing dispute over conjugal rights among other issues.

Insp Chibanda said investigations on the case were still in progress.