What began as a routine farming dispute in Guruve ended in tragedy on November 17, when 60‑year‑old Benjamin Mashatini died by suicide after clashing with his wife, Annah Kamwanza (55), over digging Pfumvudza planting holes.
Police confirmed the incident, saying the domestic row escalated into threats.
Mashatini allegedly tried to set fire inside the couple’s home with an Exide battery, but his wife escaped before he went into a nearby forest.
Kamwanza then sought help from their relative, Paul Mpumela, and together they searched the area.
They eventually found Mashatini hanging from a tree.
Police responded promptly and transported the body to Guruve District Hospital mortuary.
According to ZimQuik sources, the tragedy has unsettled villagers, with many questioning whether the dispute over Pfumvudza holes was the only trigger or if deeper pressures were involved.
Community members said the case highlights the importance of early mediation in household conflicts.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Lucy Chigwenhese urged families to value life and resolve disputes through peaceful channels.
“Vanhu vanenge vane zviri kuvanetsa mupfungwa kana pakugarisana ngavataure vawane kubatsirikana kubva kumakereke, kuhama dzavanovimba nadzo, madzimambo, mapurisa kana vaye vanoita basa rekukurukura nevanhu kuti varerukirwe,” she said.
