Soldier murdered over girlfriend

By A Correspondent

Mutare – A horrific scene unfolded in the Mountain Rise area of Chikanga early Thursday morning after a married man allegedly stabbed his love rival to death in a violent confrontation over a woman described as his “small house.”


According to residents, the suspect, identified as Kumbirai Mugona, popularly known in the area as Gweja, flew into a rage after finding Abbiton Mangena — a soldier from Masvingo — in bed with his girlfriend, Lucy Saunyama, who works at a butcher shop at the Manicaland Showgrounds.

Sources said Mugona had left Lucy’s lodgings around 11:30 p.m. but returned moments later, only to find Mangena naked in her room. A heated argument reportedly broke out before Mugona allegedly stabbed Mangena multiple times on the head and stomach.

Mangena was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police are yet to issue an official statement, but sources confirmed that Mugona later handed himself over to the police at Chikanga Police Station.

Witnesses described the scene as “disturbing and painful to watch.” One neighbour said, “We heard shouting and a man screaming, ‘Is there no man here to help me?’ When we rushed out, we found him lying naked and bleeding heavily in the corridor.”


The witness said Mugona appeared uncontrollable. “We tried to stop him, but he refused. He said he wanted to show the police proof and then stabbed the man again in the stomach. The victim asked for water, and we gave him, but he was already weak.”

Another resident said the tragedy could have been avoided. “We are still in shock. We never imagined something like this could happen in front of us. A life has been lost over a woman. It’s painful.”

Neighbours claimed that Mugona had been supporting Lucy financially, paying her rent and often staying with her for days. “He was always around. We were surprised to see another man visiting her,” said one.

Another woman who lives nearby said she was traumatized by the murder. “I begged him to stop, but he said he was going to kill the man and surrender himself to the police. It was terrifying. People must learn to talk and walk away. Taking someone’s life doesn’t solve anything.”

Blood reportedly covered the corridor and walls of the house, leaving residents shaken. Lucy, who allegedly fled the scene during the attack, was said to have recently started dating Mangena.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: Zim Eye