Man arrested for burning employer's body after killing him

A 22-year-old Gweru man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his employer following a dispute over his work performance before burning her body for two days and scattering the remains in a field in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

The suspect, identified as Takunda Kazembe, was employed as a general worker at a plot in Woodend, Gweru, where the alleged murder of Fungai Mpofu (53) occurred on October 28, 2026.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident was triggered by a disagreement after Mpofu reprimanded Kazembe over his work performance.

Police allege that Kazembe reacted violently to the reprimand, attacking his employer with a metal container and repeatedly striking her until she lost consciousness.

The assault reportedly left Mpofu fatally injured.

Investigators believe that after realising his employer had died, Kazembe attempted to destroy evidence of the killing by setting her body on fire.

He allegedly covered the deceased with a tent, poured petrol over her body and ignited it.

In a particularly disturbing development, police said the suspect continued burning the body over two days before disposing of the remains in a nearby field.

"The suspect reportedly continued burning the body for two days before scattering the ashes (remains) in a field," the ZRP said.

Police further allege that Kazembe stole property belonging to his deceased employer following the killing.

Among the items reportedly taken were approximately 1.5 tonnes of maize and two cellphones.

The suspect allegedly sold the maize before fleeing the property and travelling to his rural home, apparently hoping to evade arrest.

However, police investigations subsequently led detectives to his whereabouts, where he was apprehended.

The ZRP confirmed that Kazembe had been taken into custody in connection with the killing and was expected to face murder charges.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged crime have raised serious concerns about workplace violence, particularly the escalation of disputes between employers and employees into deadly confrontations.

The alleged destruction of the victim's body also presents significant challenges for investigators, who must establish the full circumstances of the death and gather evidence to support the prosecution.

Police have not disclosed whether the victim's remains have been recovered for forensic examination or whether any of the allegedly stolen property has been retrieved.

It also remains unclear how long Kazembe had been employed at the property before the incident.

The suspect is expected to appear in court as investigations continue.

He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.