The High Court sitting in Harare has convicted a local man, Herbert Pasipanodya, of culpable homicide and sentenced him to an effective 10-year prison term following the death of his partner, Dorothy De Souza.
In a statement, yesterday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the conviction followed a fatal assault that occurred in July, 2025, culminating in the discovery of the deceased’s body buried in a shallow grave at the offender’s residence.
“The High Court sitting at Harare has convicted Herbert Pasipanodya of culpable homicide and sentenced him to an effective term of 10 years imprisonment following the death of his partner, Dorothy De Souza,” said the NPAZ.
Prosecutors indicated that the accused had initially been charged with murder. However, the court returned a verdict of culpable homicide after finding that he had acted under serious provocation.
“The offender was initially charged with murder. However, the court found that he acted under serious provocation after discovering the now-deceased engaged in a sexual act with an unidentified man,” the authority said.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that Pasipanodya and the deceased had been cohabiting for over a year in a relationship characterised by recurring violence. On the night of the incident, the accused assaulted De Souza, inflicting severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.
“Medical evidence confirmed that the cause of death was multiple rib fractures sustained from blunt force trauma,” the NPAZ added.
The court further highlighted aggravating circumstances linked to the offender’s actions after the fatal assault, noting that he attempted to conceal the crime.
“He proceeded to bury the deceased’s body in a shallow grave within his yard and misled witnesses regarding her whereabouts, in a clear attempt to conceal the crime,” the statement read.
In sentencing, the court imposed an effective 10-year imprisonment for culpable homicide. Additionally, a previously suspended three-month sentence, arising from an earlier offence against the same victim, was activated.
“The court imposed an effective 10 years imprisonment for culpable homicide. An additional three months imprisonment previously suspended sentence, following the commission of the offence against the same victim, was brought into effect,” said the NPAZ.
Domestic violence cases continue to be of concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities urging the public to resolve disputes peacefully and seek lawful recourse.
The NPAZ has consistently warned that acts of violence, regardless of provocation, carry serious legal consequences, especially where they result in death or involve efforts to conceal criminal conduct.
