POLICE have intensified investigations into the death of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva, who allegedly sustained serious...
POLICE have intensified investigations into the death of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva, who allegedly sustained serious injuries during an incident involving his wife at their Dzivaresekwa home on Wednesday.
Dr Muduva, 42, later died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after succumbing to the injuries.
His wife, Lyliosa Chirara, 43, also died shortly after allegedly ingesting rat poison.
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National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations were underway, but did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to preliminary information, the couple allegedly had a misunderstanding in the early hours of Wednesday over suspected infidelity.
Chirara allegedly attacked Dr Muduva with an unknown object, leaving him seriously injured, before reportedly ingesting rat poison.
A neighbour was alerted and rushed the couple to a 24-hour medical facility, where Chirara was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dr Muduva was subsequently transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in a critical condition, but later died while receiving treatment.
The bodies were taken to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations as police continued with investigations.
Sources said photographs circulating on social media showing Dr Muduva with another woman following an alleged lobola ceremony could form part of the police inquiry.
The photographs have reportedly been linked to the dispute, although police have not publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding their circulation or whether they played a role in the incident.
It is also alleged that some of the photographs had previously been shared on Dr Muduva’s WhatsApp status.
Meanwhile, the ZHRC has expressed shock and sorrow following the deaths of the commissioner and his wife.
In a statement yesterday, the Commission said Dr Muduva’s death was a devastating loss to the institution and those who worked with him.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Commissioners and Secretariat of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission have learnt of the untimely passing on of Commissioner Dr Engineer Martin Muduva and his wife, who sadly passed away today, 9 September 2026,” the Commission said.
Dr Muduva was appointed a ZHRC commissioner on December 19, 2024.
The Commission said he had made significant contributions to its work and mandate, particularly in highlighting the links between human rights and technology.
“Commissioner Muduva was appointed as a Commissioner of the ZHRC on the 19th of December 2024. Since then, Commissioner Muduva has made remarkable contributions to the work and mandate of the ZHRC, particularly by bringing the linkages between human rights and technology,” it said.
The Commission said his commitment to public service, human rights and administrative justice would be remembered with respect.
It also expressed condolences to the couple’s children, relatives, friends and other loved ones.
“The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating,” the Commission said.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera also mourned Dr Muduva, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a brilliant mind.
Writing on Facebook, Mavetera said Dr Muduva had worked closely with her ministry on various initiatives involving the country’s engineering and technology sector.
“Dr Muduva was a dedicated public servant and a brilliant mind whose contributions to our nation’s engineering and technological landscape will not be forgotten,” she said.
She urged members of the public to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned.
“I urge the public to allow the family privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult period of grief,” Mavetera said.
Beyond his role at the ZHRC, Dr Muduva served on the Innovation Drive and Assessment Committee under the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
He was also a lecturer in the Information Sciences and Marketing Department at Midlands State University and worked as a Technology Risk and Assurance Consultant.
Dr Muduva had extensive academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science, a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and a Master of Leadership and Corporate Governance.
He also held a Master of Science in Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Science in Big Data Analytics, in which he obtained First Class.
His other qualifications included a Bachelor of Technology (Honours) Degree in Information Security and Assurance, also obtained with First Class honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Risk, Safety and Security Management and a Certificate in Higher and Tertiary Education.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are continuing.
