Love Triangle Turns Deadly As Woman Is Killed in Sulphuric Acid Attack

A Mutare man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 39-year-old woman, who was allegedly doused with a highly corrosive liquid, believed to be sulphuric acid, over a week ago.

Tawanda Kapfumo of Zororo, Sakubva, appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa last Tuesday, facing murder charges, and was remanded to 3 March 2026 on US$200 bail.

The victim, Siphumile Saruwaka, was reportedly attacked last Saturday following a bitter love triangle involving Kapfumo, Saruwaka, and a local mechanic, Prince Toga.

Prosecutor Sandra Mlambo told the court that Kapfumo had been romantically involved with Saruwaka, who was also reportedly in a relationship with Toga.

Two days before the alleged attack, Kapfumo is said to have taken Saruwaka to a lodge in Chikanga, where Toga allegedly caught them together, leading to a heated confrontation.

Mlambo said Kapfumo then began sending threats to both Saruwaka and Toga.

Last Saturday, Kapfumo allegedly tracked the couple in Mutare. After Toga left Saruwaka, who was reportedly intoxicated, alone in a parked car near Blue Star Workshop, Kapfumo is said to have approached the vehicle and poured sulphuric acid over her before fleeing the scene.

Toga discovered Saruwaka and attempted to give first aid before rushing her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

As part of his bail conditions, Kapfumo must continue residing at his given address.

Saruwaka was a well-known figure in Mutare’s social football scene, playing for Fairpark Stars Football Club.

Friends, teammates, and local socialites gathered to pay their respects, affectionately remembering her as Tete.

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