“The suspect reportedly continued burning the body for two days before scattering the ashes (remains) in a field,” said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
A 22-year-old general worker was arrested in connection with the murder of his 53-year-old employer at a plot in Woodend, Gweru, according to authorities. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the apprehension of Takunda Kazembe, 22, following the death of Fungai Mpofu, 53, at the property. The tragic sequence of events at the property unfolded after a dispute regarding job performance between the employer and her employee.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The suspect, identified as Takunda Kazembe, allegedly attacked Fungai Mpofu after she reprimanded him over his work performance. Law enforcement records show that the confrontation escalated when the general worker struck his employer several times using a metal container until she lost consciousness.
Kazembe struck the victim several times with a metal container until she lost consciousness. He then covered her with a tent, and after he realized she had died, he poured petrol on her body and set it alight, according to the ZRP. Following the initial attack, the suspect realized the victim had passed away and attempted to conceal the crime by initiating the prolonged fire.
After allegedly burning the remains for two days, Kazembe scattered the ashes in a field. He also stole approximately 1.5 tonnes of maize and two cellphones belonging to the deceased. Investigators said that the stolen agricultural produce was subsequently sold off by the suspect before he abandoned the workplace.
The suspect subsequently sold the stolen maize and fled to his rural home. Police announced the arrest in a statement published on Friday, 13 November 2026, as the investigation into the killing continues.
Authorities indicated that the suspect is expected to face murder charges as the legal process moves forward, though officials have not provided further details regarding the recovery of the missing property or the specific circumstances surrounding the eventual apprehension at his rural residence.