HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER DIES AFTER HORROR AXE ATTACK — WIFE ALSO DEAD IN TRAGIC DOUBLE DEATH
A senior human rights official has died after allegedly being attacked with an axe at his home, – hours before his wife also died in a shocking tragedy that has left Zimbabwe’s human rights watchdog in mourning.
Dr Martin Muduva, a commissioner with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after suffering serious injuries in the attack at his home in Dzivarasekwa Extension.
His wife died earlier after consuming poison.
The devastating deaths have sent shockwaves through the ZHRC, where colleagues are mourning a commissioner they say made a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s human-rights work.
The Commission said it learnt of the deaths with “profound shock and deep sorrow”, describing Dr Muduva’s death as a “devastating loss” to the organisation and to those who had the privilege of working with him.
Dr Muduva joined the Commission on December 19, 2024, and during his tenure worked on issues at the intersection of human rights and technology.
The ZHRC said his commitment to public service, the promotion and protection of human rights, and administrative justice would be remembered with “profound respect.”
But behind the official tributes is a deeply personal tragedy for the couple’s children, relatives and friends, who are now facing the devastating loss of both parents.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and are working to establish exactly what happened at the Dzivarasekwa Extension home.
For the ZHRC, the shock has quickly turned into grief.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their children, families, relatives, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time,” the Commission said.
“As the ZHRC family, we mourn together and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.”
The Commission also prayed that the families would find strength and comfort as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
For an institution dedicated to defending human rights, Wednesday brought a painful reminder that behind every tragedy are families left to pick up the pieces — and colleagues left to mourn one of their own.