Man Convicted for Partner’s Death

Everisto Zhuwao

The High Court in Harare has convicted Herbert Pasipanodya of culpable homicide and sentenced him to an effective 10-year prison term following the tragic death of his partner, Dorothy De Souza.

The conviction stems from an incident in July 2025, when De Souza’s body was discovered in a shallow grave at Pasipanodya’s residence.

While the offender was initially facing murder charges, the court ultimately found him guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

This decision was reached after the court accepted that Pasipanodya had acted under serious provocation upon discovering the deceased engaged in a sexual act with another man.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed a history of recurring violence during the couple’s year-long cohabitation.

On the night of the crime, Pasipanodya assaulted De Souza, inflicting fatal injuries. Medical experts confirmed that the cause of death was multiple rib fractures resulting from blunt force trauma.

The presiding judge highlighted several aggravating factors, particularly Pasipanodya’s conduct following the assault.

After the victim succumbed to her injuries, the offender buried her body in his yard and intentionally misled witnesses regarding her whereabouts in a calculated attempt to conceal the crime.

In passing judgment, the court imposed a 10-year sentence for culpable homicide.

Additionally, a previously suspended three-month sentence for a prior offence committed against the same victim was activated.

The court emphasized that while provocation served as a mitigating factor, unlawful violence leading to the loss of life remains a grave offence, especially when coupled with attempts to defeat the course of justice.