Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A 26-YEAR-OLD woman from Chimanimani is awaiting specialist surgery to remove a bullet lodged in her lower jaw, after surviving a violent attack by her pistol-wielding husband that left two others injured.
The victim, Ms Mercyline Mahembe, was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital last Sunday following the Independence Day shooting.
Her husband, Francis Makuma Magirayano (30), is now on the run, and believed to have fled into Mozambique en-route to South Africa.
The attack shocked Muchadziya Village after Magirayano opened fire in a suspected crime of passion, wounding three people — his wife, her sister, and a shopkeeper at Kopa Business Centre.
Ms Mahembe sustained multiple injuries: a bullet entered the right side of her jaw and remains lodged on the left, leaving her with loose teeth.
She also suffered a gunshot wound to her right hand, with entry and exit points, as well as bullet wounds to her left thigh.
A medical expert monitoring her condition, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that she is currently in a stable condition and due to be seen by maxillofacial specialists in Harare today (Friday).
A villager from Muchadziya area, Mr Thompson Makhuyana, said the incident stemmed from unsubstantiated rumours that reached Magirayano, alleging that Ms Mahembe was cheating on him.
“We heard that someone informed Magirayano that his wife was cheating on him. This is why he drove all the way on a revenge mission. His motive, it appears, was to kill her,” said Makhuyana.
The incident has prompted a nationwide police appeal for information.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that Francis Makuma Magirayano is wanted in connection with attempted murder that occurred at the weekend, and is believed to have recently returned from South Africa.
Police allege that Magirayano, who was driving a silver Toyota Fortuner (Registration JV 70 SM GP), opened fire following a domestic dispute with Ms Mahembe.
