A man has been arrested after allegedly killing his churchmate with a wooden log during a service at a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) congregation in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The victim, 23-year-old Emmanuel Shanganai, died instantly after he was struck by his neighbour, 33-year-old Sam Togara, during a dispute that broke out in the middle of worship on November 9, 2025.
According to witnesses, the two men, who lived in the same community and were known to each other, began arguing inside the church before the disagreement escalated. In a sudden act of violence, Togara reportedly grabbed a heavy piece of timber and struck Shanganai with force, causing him to collapse as the stunned congregation halted hymns and prayers.
Emergency services were called but Shanganai was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to Ndanga Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Masvingo police confirmed the arrest, with spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa stating that Togara was in custody and assisting with investigations. He condemned the violent act and urged members of the public to avoid resolving disputes through aggression, especially in sacred spaces.
“We have arrested Sam Togara who is suspected of killing Emmanuel Shanganai during a church service. He is assisting with investigations,” he said, adding: “We urge members of the public to stop solving their problems through violence. Do not turn prayer meetings into boxing matches.”
