Shock As Chiredzi Man “Kills” Own Children

By A Correspondent| A 25-year-old Chiredzi man is in custody after his two children, aged 3 and 18 months, were allegedly killed at his Musengi Village homestead under Chief Masivamele in the early hours of Thursday, 18 June.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said the attack occurred between 3:00 am and 4:00 am following a domestic dispute between the suspect, Josiah Dumela, and his wife, Laiza Matavi, 39.

The ZRP said Dumela was arrested at the homestead and is helping with investigations. He is expected to be taken to court once police finalize the docket.Zimbabwe political analysis

According to police, Matavi, who is living with a disability, was injured during the dispute and managed to get to a neighbor’s home for help, leaving the two children behind. Villagers who responded found Dumela at the property with a wooden log.


Inside the house, officers discovered Prosperity Dumela, 3, and Experience Dumela, 18 months, dead. Both had suffered severe injuries. One child’s body had been burnt and parts were missing.

Community members detained Dumela and handed him to police. Matavi was taken to Chibwedziva Clinic and later moved to Chiredzi General Hospital.


The ZRP has called on families facing domestic conflict to seek mediation and counseling instead of violence. Police said children are often the most vulnerable when household disputes turn violent, and urged relatives to ensure loved ones with mental health issues receive treatment to prevent further loss of life.