By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Police have arrested a Mudzi woman in connection with the alleged murder of her co-wife, who died after a house was set on fire in what investigators suspect was a domestic dispute.
In a statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Elizaberth Ponji, saying she was taken into custody on 2 July 2026 in connection with the fatal incident that occurred a day earlier at Rwamba Business Centre in Mudzi.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Elizaberth Ponji on 02/07/26 in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Rwamba Business Centre, Mudzi on 01/07/26 in which her co-wife, Loveness Zinhu (18) died,” Nyathi said.
Police allege that the suspect deliberately set fire to a shop and adjoining bedroom where the victim and her husband, Peter Mudzengerere (30), were asleep.
According to Nyathi, “The suspect allegedly set ablaze a shop and a bedroom in which the victim and her husband, Peter Mudzengerere (30), were sleeping in, after pouring an unknown substance onto the floor.”
During the blaze, Mudzengerere managed to escape from the burning building but later collapsed.
“Peter Mudzengerere managed to escape from the burning house and fell unconscious,” Nyathi added.
The fire claimed the life of Loveness Zinhu (18), while police have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The arrest comes as police continue to urge members of the public to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and to refrain from acts of violence that endanger lives.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
