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Police probe death of ZHRC Commissioner, wife
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POLICE have intensified investigations into the deaths of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva and his wife, Lyliosa Chirara, following a reported domestic incident at their home in Dzivarasekwa on Wednesday.
Dr Muduva, 42, died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after sustaining serious injuries during the incident, while Chirara, 43, reportedly died after ingesting poison.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations were continuing.
According to police, the couple reportedly had a misunderstanding in the early hours of Wednesday over allegations of infidelity.
Investigators allege that Chirara struck Dr Muduva with an unidentified object, causing serious injuries, before ingesting rat poison.
A neighbour who was alerted to the incident reportedly rushed the couple to a 24-hour medical facility, where Chirara was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dr Muduva was subsequently transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in critical condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies were taken to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.
Sources said photographs circulating on social media showing Dr Muduva with another woman after a lobola ceremony could form part of the police investigation. The photographs had reportedly previously been shared on his WhatsApp status and may have contributed to the dispute.
The ZHRC has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the deaths.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Commission said Dr Muduva's death was a devastating loss to the institution and those who worked with him.
Dr Muduva was appointed a ZHRC Commissioner on December 19, 2024, and made significant contributions to the Commission's work, particularly in highlighting the linkages between human rights and technology.
The Commission said his commitment to public service, human rights and administrative justice would be remembered with respect.
"The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time," the ZHRC said.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera also mourned Dr Muduva, describing him as a dedicated public servant and brilliant mind whose contribution to Zimbabwe's engineering and technology sectors would not be forgotten.
Mavetera said Dr Muduva had worked closely with her ministry on several initiatives and urged the public to respect the family's privacy as they grieve.
Dr Muduva also served on the Innovation Drive and Assessment Committee under the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), lectured in the Information Sciences and Marketing Department at Midlands State University and worked as a Technology Risk and Assurance Consultant.
He held a Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science, as well as master's degrees in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leadership and Corporate Governance, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data Analytics, in which he graduated with First Class honours.
He also held a Bachelor of Technology Honours degree in Information Security and Assurance, also with First Class honours, together with a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Risk, Safety and Security Management and a Certificate in Higher and Tertiary Education.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are continuing.
Dr Muduva, 42, died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after sustaining serious injuries during the incident, while Chirara, 43, reportedly died after ingesting poison.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations were continuing.
According to police, the couple reportedly had a misunderstanding in the early hours of Wednesday over allegations of infidelity.
Investigators allege that Chirara struck Dr Muduva with an unidentified object, causing serious injuries, before ingesting rat poison.
A neighbour who was alerted to the incident reportedly rushed the couple to a 24-hour medical facility, where Chirara was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dr Muduva was subsequently transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in critical condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies were taken to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.
Sources said photographs circulating on social media showing Dr Muduva with another woman after a lobola ceremony could form part of the police investigation. The photographs had reportedly previously been shared on his WhatsApp status and may have contributed to the dispute.
The ZHRC has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the deaths.
Dr Muduva was appointed a ZHRC Commissioner on December 19, 2024, and made significant contributions to the Commission's work, particularly in highlighting the linkages between human rights and technology.
The Commission said his commitment to public service, human rights and administrative justice would be remembered with respect.
"The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time," the ZHRC said.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera also mourned Dr Muduva, describing him as a dedicated public servant and brilliant mind whose contribution to Zimbabwe's engineering and technology sectors would not be forgotten.
Mavetera said Dr Muduva had worked closely with her ministry on several initiatives and urged the public to respect the family's privacy as they grieve.
Dr Muduva also served on the Innovation Drive and Assessment Committee under the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), lectured in the Information Sciences and Marketing Department at Midlands State University and worked as a Technology Risk and Assurance Consultant.
He held a Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science, as well as master's degrees in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leadership and Corporate Governance, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data Analytics, in which he graduated with First Class honours.
He also held a Bachelor of Technology Honours degree in Information Security and Assurance, also with First Class honours, together with a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Risk, Safety and Security Management and a Certificate in Higher and Tertiary Education.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are continuing.
Source - The Chronicle
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