A deep sense of shock and grief has engulfed the Tshidixwa suburb of Beitbridge following the tragic deaths of prominent local businessman, Farai Longwe, and his wife. Longwe, affectionately known in the community as Mr Grocery because of his chain of grocery shops in the western suburbs, allegedly shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself late Wednesday night.
The horrific incident reportedly took place just before midnight. According to early accounts, the businessman Longwe is said to have locked himself inside the bedroom with his wife before gunshots rang out. Neighbours were startled awake by the sound, and within minutes the quiet neighbourhood was thrust into chaos. The motive behind the suspected murder-suicide remains unknown, leaving family, friends, and the wider community grasping for answers.
Beitbridge District Police Officer Commanding, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, confirmed the tragedy on Thursday, saying that law enforcement had dispatched a special team to investigate the incident of this businessman.
Shock in Beitbridge as Businessman Kills Wife, Commits Suicide
“We have deployed a team of detectives to the ground and I am yet to get full details. Investigations are in progress, and we will advise on further developments once we have a clearer picture,” he said.
Police sources revealed that the case was first reported by the landlord of the property. The landlord, who resides within the same premises, allegedly heard a volley of gunshots from the (businessman )Longwe’s bedroom and immediately contacted authorities. Officers rushed to the scene but could only confirm the deaths of both Longwe and his wife.
The sudden and violent loss has sent shockwaves across Beitbridge, particularly in Tshidixwa where Longwe’s family had become a household name. Residents expressed disbelief that a man celebrated for his business acumen and generosity could be involved in such a tragedy.
“He was one of the most respected businessmen here. Everyone called him Mr Grocery because his shops served almost every household in this area,” said a neighbour who declined to be named. “It is so difficult to believe that he could end his life this way and take his wife with him. The whole community is devastated.”
Another resident described Longwe as a “pillar of the community” who often extended credit to struggling families and supported local events. “We are struggling to make sense of it. People are in shock,” the resident added.
Speculation is rife as to what could have driven the businessman to such an extreme act. Friends and acquaintances have said that there were no outward signs of turmoil in Longwe’s life, though some admitted that private family matters are often hidden from public view.
Social commentators note that domestic violence, mental health struggles, and financial pressures have been common triggers in similar cases reported across the country. However, until police complete their investigation, the actual motive remains a matter of conjecture.
The tragedy in Beitbridge adds to a troubling pattern of murder-suicide cases being reported in Zimbabwe in recent years. Analysts say the phenomenon underscores the urgent need for broader public awareness campaigns around mental health and domestic conflict resolution.
“Such cases remind us of the importance of mental health support structures and community interventions,” said Harare-based psychologist Dr Fungai Mapuranga. “When people feel trapped, overwhelmed, or isolated, situations can escalate to tragic outcomes if there are no channels to seek help. We must strengthen family counselling services and make mental health support more accessible.”
Women’s rights groups have also raised concerns, noting that intimate partner violence remains a major threat to women across the country. “Behind the statistics are lives destroyed and families broken,” said one activist. “Every such case should serve as a wake-up call that domestic violence is a public health crisis requiring urgent attention.”
The couple is survived by children, whose welfare has now become a central concern for relatives and community leaders. Neighbours described the children as still in shock after witnessing the aftermath of the tragedy. Relatives are expected to announce funeral arrangements once formal police procedures are complete.
For now, Tshidixwa suburb remains subdued. Conversations in grocery queues, churches, and commuter ranks have turned to the tragedy, as residents mourn the loss of a man they thought they knew and a woman whose life was cut short in the prime of her years.
Police investigations are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Until then, unanswered questions continue to hang over Beitbridge.
For many, the incident is not just a shocking headline but a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the hidden battles people may be fighting behind closed doors. In the words of one grieving neighbour: “We will never know what really happened in that room, but we pray for the children and for peace in our community.”
Source – Byo24
