Residents of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, were left in shock after the death of a well-known businessman on Saturday night due to apparent suicide.
John Tafara Madzikatire, a married father of two, was found dead inside his car parked on a street near his girlfriend’s home.
Madzikatire, the owner of Samaz Butchery in Luveve, appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
His black Mercedes-Benz remained parked where his lifeless body was discovered. Police covered the scene with a red blanket as they conducted their investigations.
Zimlive reports that authorities were called to the scene at around 9 PM after residents noticed the car parked suspiciously. Inside, they reportedly found a significant amount of cash in different currencies, including over US$4,000 and R19,000.
According to sources, Madzikatire was identified through documents found in the vehicle. A neighbour in the area mentioned hearing a loud noise earlier in the evening but thought nothing of it at the time.
The police confirmed that they are investigating the death as a suspected suicide. They are also looking into claims that Madzikatire was visiting a girlfriend in the area shortly before his death.
Neighbours expressed disbelief at the tragic incident. One resident, who knew the businessman, described him as a hardworking and friendly individual.
“This is very sad and shocking,” said the resident. “He was a respected man, and I never imagined something like this could happen.”
Police are gathering statements from witnesses and investigating the circumstances leading to the businessman’s death. (iharare)



