A Polygamous 81-year-old man from Zvishavane who had been reported missing was found dead in a bushy area in a suspected murder case.

The body of Patrick Shoko that was burnt from the waist upwards and had a scar on the head was found by a passerby who reported it to the police.

Shoko, who had two wives had been reported missing since 16 May. He reportedly left his second wife’s home with a clay pot intending to seek spiritual deliverance from local prophets but never returned.

After long searches in vain, the family decided to make a missing person report. The body was discovered on 19 May.

Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident saying police officers had attended the scene. Mahoko said:

Police are investigating a suspected murder case of an 81-year-old man who was found dead in a bushy area near Comoil Service Station in Zvishavane on 19 May around 7 am. The now-deceased had two wives who were staying separately in Mandava suburb.

It is said on May 16, Shoko left the second wife’s homestead intending to seek spiritual deliverance from local prophets while holding a clay pot but he did not return home.

Police attended the scene and observed that his body was burnt from the waist up to the head and had a scar at the back of the head. Murder is being suspected.

Mahoko appealed to anyone with information regarding the death of Shoko to contact any nearest police station- State media