A 52-year-old Harare man allegedly shot and killed his wife before turning the firearm on himself following a confrontation over allegations involving his stepdaughter, police have confirmed.
The deceased has been identified as Sergeant Portia Dzanwa (36), while her husband, Pharaoh Dombodzvuku, sustained gunshot injuries in the incident that occurred in a parked vehicle in Southlea Park on Sunday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of a police officer after being shot by her husband using a firearm,” Nyathi said.
He said Dombodzvuku allegedly used the same weapon in an attempt to kill himself following a misunderstanding over allegations of sexually abusing his stepdaughter.
“The suspect injured himself and is currently in hospital under police guard. Investigations are underway to establish the cause and origins of the firearm used,” he said.
Police investigations indicate that Dombodzvuku allegedly sexually abused Dzanwa’s 16-year-old daughter, who later disclosed the allegations to her mother.
The couple reportedly sought counselling from Dombodzvuku’s brother, Trymore. Police said Dombodzvuku later requested privacy and asked his brother to leave them alone for a few minutes.
During that time, Trymore allegedly heard two gunshots and rushed to the vehicle, where he found Dzanwa dead and Dombodzvuku unconscious.
Dzanwa was pronounced dead, while Dombodzvuku was taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where he remains under police guard as investigations continue.
