Woman dies after acid attack in love triangle dispute

A Zimbabwean woman has d!ed following a brutal acid attack that prosecutors allege was motivated by a love triangle. 

The accused, Tawanda Kapfumo, was granted bail of US$200 (approximately R3,800) by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 6, 2026, after being charged with murder.

The victim, identified as 39-year-old Siphumile Saruwaka, suffered fatal burns when a corrosive substance, believed to be sulphuric acid, was poured on her while she slept in a parked car in the Mutare Central Business District.

Prosecutor Sandra Mlambo outlined the state’s case, stating that the incident stemmed from a romantic entanglement involving Kapfumo, Saruwaka, and another man, Prince Toga. The court heard that an altercation occurred after Toga found Kapfumo and Saruwaka together at a lodge on the evening of Thursday, January 31. Following this, Kapfumo allegedly sent threats of violence to both Saruwaka and Toga.

The fatal attack occurred on Saturday, February 1. According to the prosecution, Kapfumo tracked the couple’s movements. After Toga left a parked vehicle near the Micasa Night Club to meet a friend, Kapfumo allegedly approached the car where an intoxicated Saruwaka was sleeping and poured acid on her before fleeing. Toga returned to find her severely injured; she later succumbed to her burns in hospital.

Saruwaka was buried at Dangamvura Cemetery. Her younger sister, Josephine Sakuwanza, described the family’s pain as “unbearable,” stating Saruwaka was a guiding and protective figure.

Magistrate Honest Musiyiwa granted Kapfumo bail with conditions, including remaining at his given address. The case has been remanded to March 3, 2026.