Robbery victim found dead after going missing

A 44-year-old man from Mutasa Village under Chief Zimunya in Manicaland has died after allegedly taking his own life days after sustaining injuries during a robbery, in a tragedy that has shocked the usually quiet Zimunya community.

Washington Mashingaidze reportedly went missing from his home on June 19 after telling relatives that he was struggling to cope with the pain from injuries he allegedly sustained when he was attacked by robbers earlier in the week.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying Mashingaidze's body was found the following day.

According to police, the robbery occurred on June 15 at around 5am while Mashingaidze was travelling to work at Clare in Odzi aboard a *mushikashika* vehicle.

"It is alleged that Mashingaidze was robbed by five unknown suspects while travelling in a *mushikashika* vehicle whose registration number he did not identify. He sustained internal injuries during the robbery and later complained to family members that he was struggling to live with the pain," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Police said Mashingaidze left home on the morning of June 19 without informing anyone of his whereabouts.

"Knowing that he had previously expressed thoughts about ending his life, his family became concerned and immediately began searching for him," said Chinyoka.

His wife, Nyaradzo Batsiri (42), alerted relatives and villagers, who joined the search.

The following morning, Mashingaidze's body was discovered at his homestead. The matter was reported to police and the body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Police said investigations into both the robbery and the circumstances surrounding the death are continuing.

In a separate incident, two sisters aged seven and 10 from Chimanimani were electrocuted while playing near an electricity line at Nyaruwa Village under Chief Muusha.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the younger child had climbed onto a stay wire supporting an electricity pole while playing with her older sister.

"The older sister threw a piece of sugar cane intending to hit the younger child but missed and struck a line jumper, triggering an electrical discharge that electrocuted both children," he said.

The seven-year-old sustained minor injuries to her right hand and was treated and discharged at Mutambara Mission Hospital.

Her 10-year-old sister suffered serious injuries and was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where she remains admitted for further treatment.

Police said investigations into the incident are underway.