Security guard fatally shoots workmate over affair with girlfriend

A security guard stationed at Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura ran amok on Wednesday night, fatally shooting his workmate for allegedly having an affair with his girlfriend.

The 33-year-old guard, identified as Joseph Zvikumva, also accidentally shot and seriously injured a female worker at the school.

Zvikumva fled the scene after committing the offence and police have since launched a manhunt for him.

He is wanted for murder and attempted murder.

Police spokesperson superintendent Blessing Chishaka confirmed the incident and identified the victim as Itai Mutasa (35) of Magonda Village under Chief Makoni.

"We also identified the female general worker as Nyaradzai, who was shot in the shoulder by Zvikumva when he fired a shot towards his alleged girlfriend identified as Fiona Muchichwa (45).

"Nyaradzai is recovering at Mutare General Hospital where her condition is said to be critical," he said.
It is alleged that on Wednesday this week, Mutasa â€" who was also employed as a security guard at the school was on duty with his workmate identified as Tungamirai Demawatema.

At around 8pm it is alleged that Zvikumva, who was their supervisor, instructed them to patrol the teachers' cottages.
As the two were conducting their duty, they met Zvikumva who was armed with a shotgun at the school's main gate.

According to the police report, it is alleged that Zvikumva accused Mutasa of having an affair with Muchichwa before pointing the gun at him.

Out of fear, Demawatema fled from the scene but as he was running, he heard a gunshot and proceeded to inform the school matron identified as Ali Mike.

Mike and Demawatema rushed to the scene and found Mutasa lying dead in a pool of blood with a deep wound in his lower abdomen.

After killing Mutasa, Zvikumva proceeded to Muchichwa's house but failed to find her.
Police recovered the shotgun which was dumped at Zvikumva's homestead in Gurure Village under Chief Makoni.

Supt Chishaka urged members of the public to seek counselling from village elders or from the police whenever they encounter domestic disputes to avoid loss of life.

He searched and located her at the house of Gilbert, a fellow worker.

It is reported that Zvikumva confronted Muchichwa, ordering her to go back to her house but she refused.

Muchichwa ran inside Gilbert's house.

Zvikumva tried to follow Muchichwa into Gilbert's house but he was shoved outside by Muchichwa's son identified as Happymore (16).

It is alleged that Zvikumva fired another shot aiming at Gilbert's house but he missed Muchichwa and shot Nyaradzai who is Gilbert's neighbour on the shoulder.

He disappeared from the scene and the matter was reported at Nyazura Police Station.

Nyaradzai was taken to Rusape General Hospital, where she was later transferred to Mutare General Hospital.

Police recovered the shotgun which was dumped at Zvikumva's homestead in Gurure Village under Chief Makoni.

Supt Chishaka urged members of the public to seek counselling from village elders or from the police whenever they encounter domestic disputes to avoid loss of life.

He appealed to anyone with information that might lead to the arrest of Zvikumva to contact any nearest police station.