Mother and Two Children Killed in Darwendale, Police Investigate
Police are investigating the alleged murder of a 26-year-old mother and her two children at Shirleigh Farm in Darwendale after their bodies were found in a hut that was allegedly set on fire.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating the deaths of a mother and her two children following a suspected murder at Shirleigh Farm in Darwendale on September 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified as Abigail Mwale, 26, her five-year-old child Johanne Maiswa, and seven-month-old Jayden Mwale.
According to police, an unknown suspect allegedly killed the three victims before dragging their bodies into a hut.
The hut was then allegedly locked from the outside and set on fire.
Police have not yet identified a suspect or established the motive behind the killings.
Evidence recovered at the scene
Investigators recovered several items from the scene which could assist with the investigation.
These include a blood-stained white cloth, a white sack, an axe and a pair of socks.
The bodies were subsequently taken to ‘O’ Hea Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
The post-mortem process is expected to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances and cause of death.
Police appeal for information
The ZRP is appealing to members of the public who may have information about the killings to come forward.
Anyone with information can report to their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631.
Information can also be submitted through the police WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
As investigations continue, police have not publicly disclosed whether the victims were known to the suspected attacker or what may have led to the killings.
The deaths of the three victims have raised serious concerns over the safety of families in rural communities, while investigators work to establish exactly what happened at Shirleigh Farm.
Africa & Beyond will update this report as verified information becomes available.
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