Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba and Obey Musiwa, Zimpapers Reporters
POLICE have intensified investigations into the death of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva, who was allegedly attacked by his wife while the couple was sleeping at their home in Dzivarasekwa on Wednesday.
Dr Muduva (42) died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after succumbing to injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.
His wife, Lyliosa Chirara (43), allegedly ingested poison and died shortly afterwards.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were ongoing.
It is alleged that the couple had a misunderstanding over allegations of infidelity in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to police investigations, Chirara allegedly struck Dr Muduva with an unidentified object, inflicting serious injuries before allegedly ingesting rat poison.
A neighbour was alerted and rushed the couple to a 24-hour medical centre, where Chirara was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dr Muduva was later transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in a critical condition but subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Investigations are continuing.
Sources said photographs circulating on social media showing Dr Muduva with another woman after a lobola ceremony could form part of the investigations, amid indications they may have triggered the alleged dispute.
It is further alleged that the photographs had previously been shared on his WhatsApp status.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has expressed shock and sorrow over the deaths.
In a statement yesterday, the Commission said:
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Commissioners and Secretariat of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) have learnt of the untimely passing on of Commissioner
Dr Engineer Martin Muduva and his wife, who sadly passed away today, 9 September 2026.
“The death of Commissioner Muduva is a devastating loss to the Commission and to all those who had the privilege of working with him. Commissioner Muduva was appointed as a Commissioner of the ZHRC on the 19th of December 2024. Since then, Commissioner Muduva has made remarkable contributions to the work and mandate of the ZHRC, particularly by bringing the linkages between human rights and technology.”
The Commission said Dr Muduva’s commitment to public service and the promotion of human rights and administrative justice would be remembered with respect.
“The loss of his wife at the same time makes this tragedy even more devastating. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time.
“As the ZHRC family, we mourn together and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. We pray that they will find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” said the Commission.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera also mourned Dr Muduva in a message posted on Facebook.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that I received the news of the tragic and untimely passing of Commissioner Engineer Dr Muduva. Dr Muduva was a dedicated public servant and a brilliant mind whose contributions to our nation’s engineering and technological landscape will not be forgotten. He worked closely with us as the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Zimbabwe, on various initiatives.
“His passing is not only a loss to his immediate family but to the entire sector he served with distinction. The circumstances surrounding his demise are deeply devastating, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
I urge the public to allow the family privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult period of grief,” she said.
Dr Muduva was also a member of the Innovation Drive and Assessment Committee under Potraz, a lecturer in the Information Sciences and Marketing Department at Midlands State University, and a Technology Risk and Assurance Consultant.
He held a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Data Science, an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a Master of Leadership and Corporate Governance, an MSc in Mechatronics and Artificial
Intelligence, an MSc in Big Data Analytics (First Class) and a Bachelor of Technology Honours Degree in Information Security and Assurance (First Class).
His academic qualifications also included a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Risk, Safety and Security Management and a Certificate in Higher and Tertiary Education.
