Co-Wife Arrested Over Fatal Arson Attack in Mudzi, Zimbabwe

An 18-year-old woman, Loveness Zinhu, has tragically lost her life in Mudzi, Zimbabwe, following an alleged arson attack. Her co-wife, Elizaberth Ponji, has since been taken into custody by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in connection with the murder.

The distressing incident, which occurred at Rwamba Business Centre, saw a shop and an adjoining bedroom engulfed in flames while Ms. Zinhu and her husband, Peter Mudzengerere, 30, were reportedly asleep inside. The ZRP confirmed Ms. Ponji’s arrest via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting it took place on July 2, 2026, for a murder case from July 1, 2026.

According to police allegations, Ms. Ponji is suspected of pouring an undisclosed substance onto the floor before intentionally setting the premises ablaze. The official police statement detailed, “The ZRP confirms the arrest of Elizaberth Ponji on 02/07/26 in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Rwamba Business Centre, Mudzi on 01/07/26 in which her co-wife, Loveness Zinhu (18) died.”

Further elaborating on the alleged act, the police stated, “The suspect allegedly set ablaze a shop and a bedroom in which the victim and her husband, Peter Mudzengerere (30), were sleeping in, after pouring an unknown substance onto the floor.”

While Ms. Zinhu succumbed to the incident, police reports did not specify whether her death occurred at the scene or later due to injuries sustained. The precise nature of the substance allegedly used to ignite the fire has also not been disclosed by authorities.

Mr. Mudzengerere, the husband, reportedly managed to escape the burning structure but collapsed shortly after. “Peter Mudzengerere managed to escape from the burning house and fell unconscious,” the police statement read. There has been no update provided regarding his current medical condition. Investigations into this grave matter are presently ongoing.