Landlord kills tenant after his wife seeks refuge in his room during domestic fight

Thursday, February 12, 2026 - A Midlands landlord has been arrested for the alleged murd3r of his tenant after his wife sought refuge in the tenant’s room during a domestic altercation. 

The fatal st@bbing occurred in Mvuma on the evening of 31 January 2026, following a dispute that reportedly began over an unmet expectation for a prepared meal.

Police confirmed that Aleck Chaminuka (25) stands accused of k!lling his lodger, Tanaka Musiiwa (24), in a violent confrontation that has shocked residents of the Mushayabvudzi suburb. The incident allegedly unfolded after Chaminuka returned home from work in Chivhu. According to Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the chain of events began with a marital dispute.

“Circumstances are that on January 31 at around 8pm, Chaminuka arrived home from Chivhu, where he works, and discovered that his wife, Caroline Hofisi had not prepared food for him,” he said.

Hofisi, who had reportedly just returned from church, became involved in an argument with her husband. Seeking safety, she fled to a room on the property rented by Tanaka Musiiwa and was received by Musiiwa’s wife, Portia Dzigahwi (19). What began as a domestic disagreement escalated into a deadly confrontation.

Inspector Mahoko stated that Dzigahwi later informed her husband about the dispute. When Musiiwa returned home, he was allegedly confronted by his landlord.

“Later, Musiiwa arrived home and Chaminuka accused him (the lodger) of being in love with his wife. An altercation ensued between the two while their wives were inside Musiiwa’s bedroom,” Inspector Mahoko said. The situation then turned violent.

“The situation escalated, and according to Insp Mahoko, Chaminuka then allegedly took a knife and stabbed Musiiwa once.” Neighbours rushed the injured Musiiwa to Mvuma District Hospital, where he was pronounced de@th on arrival. Police confirmed that Chaminuka was immediately arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to seek peaceful means of resolving disputes. “Once again, we call upon members of the public to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner,” he said.