In a tragic development, the remains of Stella Mushangidze Chidzenga, a teacher from Chitungwiza who had been missing for nearly four months, were found in Gutu after she disappeared during the school holidays in August.
This disturbing news has plunged her family, friends, and colleagues into profound grief as they come to terms with her unexpected loss.
Stella was a well-respected Grade 2 teacher at Shingayi Government Primary School in St. Mary’s and was active in her community, known for her dedication.
Her absence raised significant alarm, prompting the distribution of “Missing Person” flyers on various social media platforms, especially WhatsApp.
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It was her uncle who revealed the tragic news of her d3ath, indicating that her remains might have resulted from foul play, possibly linked to ritualistic practices.
At Shingayi Government Primary School, teachers gathered in remembrance of Stella, surrounded by sorrow. Many colleagues expressed disbelief and sadness, sharing stories of her positive impact on the students and the wider community.
Their decision to visit her family to express condolences underscored her lasting influence on those around her.
Stella lived in Ushewokunze with her two children: a daughter in her early twenties and a son who was in Grade 6. The details surrounding her disappearance differ, but one common account suggests that she left home to seek medical attention in Harare’s central area.
During this trip, she allegedly contacted one of her children to let them know she would soon be home and instructed them to wait at a nearby bus stop. Tragically, she never arrived home, leaving her family in a state of deep distress.
The frightening discovery of her remains was made by a young herdboy while he was watching over his cattle. Upon finding the decomposed body, he hurried home to inform his father, who quickly rallied the neighbors to assess the situation.
They found the remains obscured by branches and promptly notified the local chief. After marking the spot for further investigation, the body inexplicably disappeared when authorities returned.
A more extensive search the following day revealed her dismembered remains a short distance from the initially marked location. Police retrieved the remains and transported them to the local mortuary for a formal identification process and investigation.
Several personal items were also found at the scene, including a dress, a pair of slip-on shoes, a handbag, a wallet, and a mobile phone. A crucial lead emerged when investigators found a contact labeled “Daddy” in the phone’s call log, leading them to contact Chidzenga’s father in Bluffhill, Harare.
As her family navigates the pain of their loss, they have returned to Harare to make funeral arrangements and await information on where the autopsy will take place.
A graduate of Morgan Zintec College and a devoted member of the Anglican Church, Stella’s legacy as a nurturing teacher and a loving mother will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.
With numerous questions still unanswered about her disappearance and tragic death, the community mourns not just for a cherished educator but also for a mother who had so much more to offer.
Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking situation, with authorities committed to seeking justice for Stella’s grieving family.
