An 18-year-old woman has died after a fire allegedly set by her co-wife engulfed a shop and bedroom where she and her husband were sleeping in Mudzi, prompting a murder investigation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
In a statement posted on X, the police confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Elizaberth Ponji, on July 2, 2026, in connection with the incident, which occurred a day earlier at Rwamba Business Centre in Mudzi.
Police identified the deceased as Loveness Zinhu, 18, who was the suspect’s co-wife.
According to the police, Ponji allegedly poured an unidentified substance on the floor before setting the shop and adjoining bedroom ablaze while Zinhu and her husband, Peter Mudzengerere, 30, were asleep inside.
The fire claimed the life of Zinhu, although the police did not state whether she died at the scene or later from injuries sustained in the incident. Authorities also did not disclose the type of substance allegedly used to ignite the fire.
The police said Mudzengerere managed to escape from the burning building but later collapsed after fleeing the house.
No update was provided on his condition.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
