Lupane Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Setting Elderly Woman Ablaze
A 28-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly striking a 72-year-old woman with an axe and setting her ablaze in Lupane.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of Sibongiseni Mfanaso Mpofu, who was taken into custody on 18 May 2025.
According to police reports, Mpofu accused Christine Ncube of bewitching him before attacking her.
He allegedly struck her on the head with an axe, poured paraffin over her and set her on fire.
Ncube sustained severe burns and was rescued by fellow villagers, who rushed to assist her. She was initially transported to St Luke’s Hospital before being transferred to Mpilo Hospital for further treatment.
In a statement shared on their official Twitter account, ZRP confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Authorities have urged the public to report violent crimes and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes.
