Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
SADZIWA VILLAGE – A 45-year-old man from Sadziwa Village under Chief Mutasa has tragically taken his own life by ingesting a full bottle of highly toxic pesticide after being confronted over a mere US$200 debt.
The incident occurred at around 9 am on Wednesday, 8 April, at the Marune homestead, where Lovemore Mlamuli Sibanda worked alongside Tinotenda Rumungwe (25).
According to witnesses, Dorine Mupandawana arrived at the homestead demanding repayment of the money she claimed Sibanda had borrowed. Faced with the demand, Sibanda excused himself and went into his room, appearing as though he was going to collect the money. However, he delayed returning.
Concerned by the delay, Rumungwe followed him into the room and was met by a horrifying scene. Sibanda was writhing in agony on the floor, froth coming from his mouth. An empty pesticide container lay beside him, and a powerful stench of poison filled the air.
“He went into his room as if to get the money, but when he took long to come out, I followed him. I found him on the floor in pain, with foam coming from his mouth and an empty bottle of poison next to him,” Rumungwe later recounted.
Rumungwe immediately raised the alarm, and villagers rushed Sibanda to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The case was reported to Penhalonga Police, who attended the scene. Manicaland Province ZRP acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident.
“Investigations are ongoing. The body remains at the hospital for a post-mortem,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The incident has left the community in shock, with many questioning how a relatively small debt could drive a man to such a desperate and irreversible act. Sibanda’s body is currently awaiting a post-mortem as police continue their investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.
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