Man axes wife to death, burns 3 homesteads

A Masvingo family has been left devastated and homeless after a 33-year-old artisanal miner allegedly murdered his wife with an axe before setting fire to three family homesteads, destroying all property and leaving eight schoolchildren destitute.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Morgen Gwasira, who vanished after committing the horrific crime on October 12 in Machingambi Village, Gwanha area, under Chief Mugabe's jurisdiction in Ward 13.

Confirming the incident, Acting Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, said investigations were underway and appealed to the public for assistance in locating the fugitive.

"Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who escaped after killing his wife and torching three homesteads. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should report to the nearest police station," said Asst Insp Patinyu.

According to police reports, the tragic events unfolded around 10 AM when Gwasira, who was seated in a kitchen hut with his wife, Liliosa Gwenhamo (34), and their four children, allegedly struck her on the head with an axe, killing her instantly.

He then poured petrol inside the hut, reportedly intending to set himself and the children ablaze. However, when he stepped outside to ignite the fire, the children managed to escape.

Gwasira allegedly dragged his wife's body outside, stacked firewood on it, doused it with petrol, and set it on fire before moving to his uncle's nearby homestead, which he found unoccupied. He set three huts there alight, then proceeded to his father's homestead where he torched another three houses and a pigsty, killing three pigs in the process.

After the rampage, Gwasira reportedly fled into a nearby mountain and has not been seen since.

Sources close to the family described Gwasira as having a history of erratic and violent behavior, recalling previous incidents in which he damaged property at his father's home while "speaking incoherently." His mother, who heard the argument before the attack, is said to have fled the scene fearing for her life.

The fires completely destroyed all property across the three homesteads, including clothing, furniture, and vital documents such as national identification cards and birth certificates.

Eight schoolchildren from the affected households lost all their school materials, including uniforms, books, and stationery. Gwasira's four children were among the victims - the eldest having just completed Grade Seven examinations.

The distraught family is now appealing for public assistance in the form of food, clothing, and school supplies to help them rebuild their lives after the tragedy.

Police have urged anyone with information about Gwasira's whereabouts to assist in his arrest as investigations continue.