Horror as prominent businessman Farai Prosper Longwe (Mr Grocery) shoots his wife Nyasha and himself to death in their house

BEITBRIDGE – A well-known Beitbridge businessman, Farai Prosper Longwe, tragically shot his wife, Nyasha, before turning the gun on himself in a horrific incident that has left the border town reeling.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning, has left the Beitbridge community searching for answers as to what could have driven the 34-year-old, widely known as Fatso or Mr Grocery, to such a desperate act. His wife, Nyasha, was 32.

Neighbours were awoken at around 1am by the sound of gunshots. Rushing to the scene, they discovered the bodies of Farai and Nyasha in their home.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case, stating: “Police are investigating a murder case involving a couple in Beitbridge. We will furnish you with further details in due course.”

While the exact cause of the tragedy remains under investigation, speculation has already begun to circulate. Early reports suggest that extra-marital affairs may have been a trigger, although H-Metro has been unable to confirm these claims.

A Beitbridge resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “It’s clear there was a serious dispute between the two, and the question right now is what really was the problem. The answer to that question will help us get a better picture of what led to this tragedy.”

The resident added: “Fatso was known all over this town, and he was someone who had good relations with the community which supported his businesses. There is so much that happens behind the walls and closed doors and, sometimes, things just get to a level of no return, and we have such tragedies.”

The weapon used in the shooting was a Smith & Wesson firearm.

This devastating incident comes amid a worrying increase in crimes of passion across the country.

Recent Similar Tragedies

Last month, a similar tragedy occurred in Gweru, where a man allegedly killed his wife, set her body on fire in a friend’s car, and subsequently committed suicide. The couple was identified as Nigel Mukoki and Definite Musomekwa.

A Zimpapers news crew spoke to relatives at Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary shortly after the body of Mukoki was taken there.

Family spokesperson Christopher Magumise said: “We heard Nigel had assaulted his wife. Later, we heard she was dead and that he was missing. We were then told he had hanged himself in the Coolmoreen area. We collected his body with the help of the police.”

A passerby, Mr Anad Zengeya, recounted finding the woman’s upper body engulfed in flames: “She appeared to be kneeling beside the burning vehicle, and the back door was open,” he said.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that Mukoki’s body was found hanging from a tree.

Also last month, in Triangle, Chiredzi, a 42-year-old man, Tinei Matonho, was arrested for allegedly killing his wife, Espina Nhambuka, following an argument over infidelity.

Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating: “We can confirm that Tinei Matonho was arrested in connection with a case of murder which occurred at a house in Section 19, Triangle, after he stabbed his wife Espina Nhambuka (45) on the elbow following a heated argument over infidelity. The victim was taken to Collin Saunders Hospital for treatment where she succumbed to the injuries on admission.”

In July, a shocking incident occurred in Waterfalls, Harare, where a woman survived a vicious attack by her husband, who later took his own life.

Laiza Sipiwa, 40, was struck three times with an axe by her husband, Darlington Ndira, 39. The attack was triggered by Darlington finding photographs of his married neighbour, Tichaona Vetrino, saved in Laiza’s phone under the name “Mbuya Juju.”

Darlington accused Laiza of infidelity, and after an unresolved argument, he attacked her while she was sleeping.

He then sent a text message to Tichaona, stating that he had killed his “prostitute,” before taking his own life.

Darlington’s body was found hanging from a tree near Koala Park along Seke Road.

Tichaona Vetrino denied any romantic involvement with Laiza, stating: “I went to check them in the company of my wife, and we called the police. I am the one who facilitated his accommodation. We were shocked to hear that his body was found hanging near Koala Park.”