Landlord Arrested for Allegedly Killing Tenant After Wife Sought Refuge
A Midlands landlord has been taken into custody for the alleged murder of his tenant after his wife sought safety in the tenant's room during a domestic altercation. The fatal stabbing incident occurred in Mvuma on the evening of January 31, 2026, following a dispute that reportedly began over an unmet expectation for a prepared meal.
Details of the Tragic Confrontation
Police have confirmed that Aleck Chaminuka, aged 25, stands accused of killing his lodger, Tanaka Musiiwa, who was 24 years old. The violent confrontation has shocked residents of the Mushayabvudzi suburb. According to Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the chain of events began with a marital dispute.
"Circumstances are that on January 31 at around 8pm, Chaminuka arrived home from Chivhu, where he works, and discovered that his wife, Caroline Hofisi, had not prepared food for him," Inspector Mahoko stated.
Hofisi, who had reportedly just returned from church, became involved in an argument with her husband. Seeking safety, she fled to a room on the property rented by Tanaka Musiiwa and was received by Musiiwa's wife, Portia Dzigahwi, aged 19. What began as a domestic disagreement escalated into a deadly confrontation.
Escalation to Violence
Inspector Mahoko explained that Dzigahwi later informed her husband about the dispute. When Musiiwa returned home, he was allegedly confronted by his landlord.
"Later, Musiiwa arrived home and Chaminuka accused him of being in love with his wife. An altercation ensued between the two while their wives were inside Musiiwa's bedroom," Inspector Mahoko said.
The situation then turned violent. "The situation escalated, and according to Insp Mahoko, Chaminuka then allegedly took a knife and stabbed Musiiwa once." Neighbors rushed the injured Musiiwa to Mvuma District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Aftermath and Police Response
Police confirmed that Chaminuka was immediately arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to seek peaceful means of resolving disputes.
"Once again, we call upon members of the public to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner," he emphasized.
The incident highlights the dangers of domestic conflicts escalating into fatal violence. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, while the community grapples with the shock of the tragic event.
