ByA Correspondent- 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.