Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva has died after allegedly being attacked with an axe by his wife in Dzivarasekwa Extension...
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva has died after allegedly being attacked with an axe by his wife in Dzivarasekwa Extension on Tuesday night. His wife also died after reportedly taking poison, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Dr Muduva died on Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026, while admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the reported attack. His wife died the previous night after reportedly taking poison.
The circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, and police are still investigating the matter. Police are expected to issue a comprehensive statement once more details have been established.
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Sources close to the investigations said Dr Muduva was allegedly attacked twice with an axe at a home in Dzivarasekwa Extension on Tuesday night. The attack is believed to have been followed by his wife taking poison in what the sources described as a suspected domestic dispute.
Both Dr Muduva and his wife were taken to hospital following the incident. While his wife died last night, Dr Muduva remained admitted until he succumbed to injuries on Wednesday morning.
The deaths come as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission mourns the loss of one of its commissioners. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it had learnt of the deaths of Dr Muduva and his wife with profound shock and deep sorrow.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Commissioners and Secretariat of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) have learnt of the untimely passing on of Commissioner Dr. Eng. Martin Muduva and his wife, who sadly passed away today, 9 September 2026,” the commission said.
According to the ZHRC, Dr Muduva was appointed as a commissioner on December 19, 2024. The commission said he made significant contributions to its work and mandate during his time in office, particularly in highlighting the links between human rights and technology.
“The death of Commissioner Muduva is a devastating loss to the Commission and to all those who had the privilege of working with him,” the ZHRC said in its statement.
The commission said Dr Muduva’s commitment to public service, as well as the promotion and protection of human rights and administrative justice, would be remembered with respect.
The ZHRC also expressed condolences following the death of Dr Muduva’s wife, noting that the loss of both at the same time had affected their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones.
“The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time,” the commission said.
The commission said it was mourning together with the bereaved families and standing in solidarity with them following the deaths.
“As the ZHRC family, we mourn together and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. We pray that they will find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the commission said.
Police have not yet released a comprehensive statement detailing what happened before, during and after the reported axe attack and the subsequent death of Dr Muduva’s wife. As investigations continue, details surrounding the suspected domestic dispute remain sketchy.
Dr Muduva’s death brings to an end his tenure as a ZHRC commissioner, a position he took up in December 2024. The commission said his work included contributing to discussions around the relationship between human rights and technology.
For now, police investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported attack in Dzivarasekwa Extension, the injuries sustained by Dr Muduva and his wife’s reported decision to take poison. Further details are expected when police issue their comprehensive statement.
The ZHRC has meanwhile extended its condolences to the Muduva family and other relatives, friends and loved ones following the deaths. The commission said it would stand with the bereaved families during the difficult period.
