Martin Muduva, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commissioner, dies in fatal attack

Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Dr. Martin Muduva and his wife, Lyliosa Chirara, have died following a violent incident at their home in Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare.

According to reports, Dr. Muduva sustained fatal injuries from an axe attack on Tuesday night and passed away on Wednesday morning at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. His wife died the previous night after consuming poison. Police are investigating the deaths as a suspected domestic dispute.

Dr. Muduva was a prominent academic and engineer, serving as a lecturer at Midlands State University and acting as a co-architect for Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The ZHRC expressed profound shock and sorrow regarding the untimely passing of the Commissioner, who had served the commission since December 2024.