Man in court over fatal petrol attack on ex-wife

A 33-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly setting his former partner and her companion on fire during a violent confrontation in Mabvuku.

Tapiwa Golden Makore appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe and was remanded in custody to 15 May pending indictment. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecutor Polite Chikiwa told the court that the incident occurred on 27 January 2026 when the now-deceased woman visited Makore's home to collect her belongings, accompanied by a male friend, Sympson Mutero.

The court heard that the pair entered a cabin on the property where Makore was sleeping.

It is alleged that Makore woke up and confronted Mutero, accusing him of having a relationship with his former partner.

Makore is then said to have poured petrol on Mutero and set him alight using a match. The flames were reportedly extinguished, and Mutero managed to escape from the scene.

The State further alleges that Makore then turned on his ex-partner, dousing her with petrol before setting her alight with a cigarette lighter.

Mutero is said to have fled while Makore chased after him, leaving the woman burning at the scene.

A witness reportedly assisted the injured woman and took her to ZRP Mabvuku Police Station Clinic where the matter was reported, before she was transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment.

She later died from her injuries the following day.

The case remains before the courts as investigations continue.