By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) commissioner Dr Martin Muduva has died after his wife allegedly attacked him with an axe in Dzivarasekwa Extension, in a suspected domestic dispute.
Muduva, who doubled as a Midlands State University lecturer, died on Wednesday morning at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the attack on Tuesday night.
His wife also died after reportedly drinking poison, according to sources familiar with the incident.
Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and were expected to issue a statement.
Sources said Muduva was struck twice with an axe before both he and his wife were taken to hospital.
His wife died on Tuesday night, while Muduva succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning.
Details of what triggered the alleged attack remained unclear.
The deaths were confirmed by the ZHRC, which described Muduva’s death as a devastating loss to the commission and the wider human rights community.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Commissioners and Secretariat of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) have learnt of the untimely passing on of Commissioner Dr. Eng. Martin Muduva and his wife, who sadly passed away today, 9 September 2026,” the commission said.
Muduva was appointed to the ZHRC on December 19, 2024 and contributed to the commission’s work on the intersection of human rights and technology.
“Since then, Commissioner Muduva has made remarkable contributions to the work and mandate of the ZHRC, particularly by bringing the linkages between human rights and technology,” the commission said.
ZHRC said his commitment to public service, the promotion and protection of human rights and administrative justice would be remembered with profound respect.
“The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating,” the commission said.
It expressed condolences to the couple’s children, families, relatives, friends and other loved ones.
