Sidumisile Mabena
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A 56-year-old man from Malala village in Beitbridge went berserk on Sunday afternoon and fatally stabbed his wife at Matshiloni village after efforts to reconcile over a long standing domestic dispute failed.
Mukhosi Shadreck Mulaudzi Muthavhatsindi killed his wife, irked by his in-laws’ suggestion for the couple to settle for a divorce for the sake of peace.
The two who were based in South Africa returned to their parents on Friday at the height of the dispute and had gathered on Sunday at the instigation of their families with the view of resolving their matters.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge, chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube confirmed the incident.
He said Muthavhatsindi had been arrested after he was accosted by a mob when he tried to escape from the alleged murder scene.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple was staying together in South Africa and they returned to Zimbabwe on April 24, where upon arrival, the suspect went to his home in Malala and the now deceased went to her maiden home in Matshiloni since the two were have a long standing domestic dispute,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
“Later on April 26, the suspect went to the in-laws homestead at Matshiloni in the company of a go-between (Munyai/Idombo) with the view to resolve the dispute at the invitation of both families.
“During deliberations, the wife’s relatives suggested that the couple should settle for a divorce since they had failed to reach an amicable agreement over a longer period. This did not go down well with the suspect and an argument ensued”.
He said that during the argument Muthavhatshindi stood up and charged towards his wife who then ran away and hid behind one of the houses at the homestead.
The man later caught up with her and allegedly stabbed her once on the left side of the chest and she screamed before collapsing, dying instantly.
Chief Supt Ncube said Muthavhatsindi then bolted from the scene but was pursued by a mob who managed to apprehend him and the matter was subsequently reported to the police.
“The suspect is in custody pending his initial court appearance and the body has been conveyed to the hospital for a post mortem,” he added.
Online Reporter