Man Returns From SA, Shoots Wife, Sister-in-law, Shopkeeper Over Alleged Infidelity

A 30-year-old man is on the run after he allegedly shot three people, including his wife, in a violent domestic dispute that has left Mukondomi Village under Chief Ngorima in Chimanimani in shock.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and identified the suspect as Francis Makuma Magirayano, who is currently being sought by police.

Magirayano is believed to have recently returned from South Africa, driving a silver Toyota Fortuner bearing registration number JV 70 SM GP, and is suspected of smuggling a firearm into the country.

According to police, the trouble began on 16 April 2026 after a domestic dispute between Magirayano and his wife, Mercyline Mahembe (26), over allegations of infidelity. The disagreement escalated, prompting Mahembe to leave the matrimonial home and seek refuge at her parents’ residence.

Two days later, on 18 April, Mahembe returned to the suspect’s homestead, accompanied by her 16-year-old sister, to collect her belongings. On their way, they reportedly encountered Magirayano, who offered them a lift.

However, while they were inside the vehicle, he allegedly turned violent and opened fire, shooting his wife once in the cheek, once in the right hand and once in the thigh. Her sister was also allegedly shot in the leg during the attack.

The suspect later stopped at the Kopa Business Centre and left the two victims in the vehicle, allowing them to escape.

He is then alleged to have proceeded to Blue Ocean Shop within the same centre, searching for his wife’s brother. Failing to locate him, he allegedly shot a shopkeeper, Placedius Madhiraho (40), in the neck before fleeing the scene in his vehicle towards Chipinge.

All three victims were rushed to Chipinge Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Police say Mahembe and her sister are in stable condition, while Madhiraho remains in a serious condition.

The matter was reported to the police at Chimanimani Kopa Base, and investigations are ongoing.

Police have since appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station.