A Harare court sentenced Bridget Makaza to 27 years in prison for killing her husband in 2018. Judge Emilia Muchawa ruled the 50-year-old woman planned the attack and traveled to South Africa to obtain an illegal firearm. Prosecutors said Makaza shot businessman MaCloud Mapanga three times while he slept and staged a robbery to hide the crime.
Investigators found no evidence of forced entry at the couple's home. Forensic tests matched bullets from the victim's body to a revolver. Makaza later surrendered to authorities. The woman fled to Britain after receiving bail but returned to Zimbabwe in December 2024, where police arrested her again.
Medical examiners determined Mapanga died from gunshot wounds that caused severe internal injuries. Defense lawyers argued Makaza endured years of abuse from her husband. The judge rejected this explanation after reviewing evidence that showed deliberate preparation for the killing on May 14, 2018.
Investigators found no evidence of forced entry at the couple's home. Forensic tests matched bullets from the victim's body to a revolver. Makaza later surrendered to authorities. The woman fled to Britain after receiving bail but returned to Zimbabwe in December 2024, where police arrested her again.
Medical examiners determined Mapanga died from gunshot wounds that caused severe internal injuries. Defense lawyers argued Makaza endured years of abuse from her husband. The judge rejected this explanation after reviewing evidence that showed deliberate preparation for the killing on May 14, 2018.
