Harare police officer shot dead by husband following abuse allegations

A police sergeant in Harare, Zimbabwe, was shot and killed by her husband following allegations of sexual abuse involving her 16-year-old daughter. Sergeant Portia Dzanwa, 36, was stationed at the Zimbabwe Republic Police Hatfield Traffic unit.

According to police internal memoranda, the incident occurred on a Sunday night in Hopley. The teenager had reportedly informed Dzanwa that her stepfather, 52-year-old Pharaoh Dombodzvuku, had been involved in an intimate relationship with her. The victim alleged that Dombodzvuku had previously taken her to a lodge in Waterfalls for sexual intercourse.

After the confrontation, the family reportedly intended to report the matter to the Southlea Park Police Station. However, Dombodzvuku instead drove to his brother’s residence in Hopley to discuss the situation. While Dzanwa and Dombodzvuku remained in a vehicle to talk, two gunshots were heard.

Dzanwa was found dead at the scene. Dombodzvuku was found unconscious and bleeding in the driver’s seat; he was transported to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in critical condition and remains under armed guard. Police are currently investigating the shooting as a suspected murder and attempted suicide.