The families of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner and Midlands State University lecturer Martin Muduva and his wife, Lyliosa Chirara, have agreed to hold separate burial ceremonies following the couple’s deaths in a suspected murder-suicide.
Muduva is scheduled to be buried in Murambinda, Buhera, Manicaland, on Sunday. Chirara, who worked as a nurse, is expected to be laid to rest at her family home in Njanja, Hwedza, Mashonaland East, although the date of her burial has not yet been announced.
Some of Chirara’s relatives are currently staying with mourners in Dzivarasekwa, where members of the community are expected to pay their last respects before Muduva’s body is taken to Buhera.
Gift Muduva, the family spokesperson, confirmed the arrangements and said mourners would be given an opportunity to view the body on Saturday.
“Dzivarasekwa community and everyone here will be allowed to pay their last respects tomorrow (Saturday), before we take the body to Buhera for burial on Sunday,” he said.
He added that the family would announce details of Chirara’s funeral and burial once arrangements had been finalised.
The couple reportedly met at Murambinda School and later married, having been together for approximately 14 years. They leave behind three children.
According to relatives, Chirara allegedly attacked Muduva with an axe before taking her own life. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are expected to establish what transpired.
The tragedy has left relatives, colleagues and members of the communities associated with the couple mourning their deaths.