News / National
Man lured via WhatsApp killed in suspected love triangle dispute
3 hrs ago |
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A 44-year-old man from Boroma under Chief Murinye in Masvingo has died after allegedly being attacked in a violent ambush linked to a deceptive WhatsApp exchange involving a dried vegetables (mufushwa) advertisement.
Police confirmed that the victim, Edmore Rugara (44), was fatally assaulted on March 19, 2026, after being lured to a homestead by a man who suspected him of having an affair with his wife.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the suspect, identified as Theophilous Mutikani (25), allegedly orchestrated the attack after intercepting messages between his wife and Rugara.
According to police, the incident began when Mutikani's wife posted a mufushwa advert in a WhatsApp farming group. Rugara reportedly responded privately, which raised suspicions that later escalated into violence.
Investigators say Mutikani then took control of his wife's phone and continued communicating with Rugara while impersonating her, ultimately arranging a meeting at the homestead.
When Rugara arrived expecting to meet the woman, he was allegedly invited inside before being attacked with a machete.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, he managed to flee and ran several kilometres to a nearby village, where he later died before receiving medical attention.
Inspector Dhewa urged members of the public to avoid violence and seek peaceful resolution mechanisms such as family mediation, community leaders, or police intervention.
The suspect has since been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. The victim's body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Chief Murinye, Ephias Munodawafa, confirmed that the matter was also handled through traditional processes alongside the criminal investigation.
He said the deceased's family initially demanded compensation of 10 cattle, but later agreed to seven cattle — five as compensation, one for funeral expenses, and one for the chief's court.
Authorities say the case highlights growing concerns over how social media platforms are being misused to facilitate deception, leading to violent outcomes in some communities.
Police confirmed that the victim, Edmore Rugara (44), was fatally assaulted on March 19, 2026, after being lured to a homestead by a man who suspected him of having an affair with his wife.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the suspect, identified as Theophilous Mutikani (25), allegedly orchestrated the attack after intercepting messages between his wife and Rugara.
According to police, the incident began when Mutikani's wife posted a mufushwa advert in a WhatsApp farming group. Rugara reportedly responded privately, which raised suspicions that later escalated into violence.
Investigators say Mutikani then took control of his wife's phone and continued communicating with Rugara while impersonating her, ultimately arranging a meeting at the homestead.
When Rugara arrived expecting to meet the woman, he was allegedly invited inside before being attacked with a machete.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, he managed to flee and ran several kilometres to a nearby village, where he later died before receiving medical attention.
Inspector Dhewa urged members of the public to avoid violence and seek peaceful resolution mechanisms such as family mediation, community leaders, or police intervention.
The suspect has since been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. The victim's body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Chief Murinye, Ephias Munodawafa, confirmed that the matter was also handled through traditional processes alongside the criminal investigation.
He said the deceased's family initially demanded compensation of 10 cattle, but later agreed to seven cattle — five as compensation, one for funeral expenses, and one for the chief's court.
Authorities say the case highlights growing concerns over how social media platforms are being misused to facilitate deception, leading to violent outcomes in some communities.
Source - Southern Eye
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