Zimbabwean Woman Succumbs to Fatal Acid Burns in Mutare Love Triangle Dispute
A tragic incident in Zimbabwe has resulted in the death of a woman following a brutal acid attack, with prosecutors alleging the motive was a love triangle. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic violence and interpersonal conflicts.
Court Grants Bail to Accused in Murder Case
The accused, Tawanda Kapfumo, was granted bail of US$200, approximately R3,800, by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 6, 2026. He faces a murder charge in connection with the attack that claimed the life of 39-year-old Siphumile Saruwaka. The bail decision has sparked discussions about judicial processes in such severe cases.
Details of the Fatal Attack Emerge
According to prosecutor Sandra Mlambo, the incident occurred in the Mutare Central Business District. Saruwaka suffered fatal burns when a corrosive substance, believed to be sulphuric acid, was poured on her while she slept in a parked car. The attack stemmed from a romantic entanglement involving Kapfumo, Saruwaka, and another man, Prince Toga.
Prosecutors outlined that an altercation took place after Toga discovered Kapfumo and Saruwaka together at a lodge on the evening of Thursday, January 31. Following this confrontation, Kapfumo allegedly sent threats of violence to both Saruwaka and Toga, escalating the situation.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
The fatal attack unfolded on Saturday, February 1. Prosecutors stated that Kapfumo tracked the couple's movements. After Toga left a parked vehicle near the Micasa Night Club to meet a friend, Kapfumo allegedly approached the car where an intoxicated Saruwaka was sleeping. He poured acid on her before fleeing the scene.
Toga returned to find Saruwaka severely injured. She was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to her burns, marking a heartbreaking end to the dispute. The community has been left mourning the loss, with many calling for justice and stronger measures against such violent acts.
Family and Community Reaction
Saruwaka was buried at Dangamvura Cemetery, with her family and friends gathering to pay their respects. Her younger sister, Josephine Sakuwanza, expressed the family's profound grief, describing the pain as "unbearable." She remembered Saruwaka as a guiding and protective figure in their lives, emphasizing the void left by her untimely death.
Legal Proceedings and Future Court Date
Magistrate Honest Musiyiwa granted Kapfumo bail with specific conditions, including that he must remain at his given address. The case has been remanded to March 3, 2026, for further proceedings. This development has raised questions about bail policies in cases involving violent crimes and the need for robust legal frameworks to address such incidents effectively.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by domestic disputes and the urgent need for community awareness and support systems to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
