Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
A LUPANE family was left torn apart after a 22-year-old man attacked his 72-year-old stepmother with an axe, doused her with fuel and set her alight in a gruesome domestic violence case that left the community shocked.
Sibongiseni Mfanaso Mpofu is accused of hacking Mrs Christine Ncube with an axe at the back of the head at her homestead in Matama Village, Lupane, before setting her on fire.
Mrs Ncube is admitted at Mpilo Central Hospital with serious burns on her face, chest and lower body.
Narrating her mother’s near-death experience, Ms Abelathi Mpofu said she was attacked at her home when the alleged attacker Sibongiseni, under the pretext of asking for cooking oil, pounced on her with an axe.
He allegedly attacked her stepmother accusing her of bewitching him, causing his manhood not to function.
Ms Mpofu rushed from her base in South Africa after learning of the horrendous attack on her mother.
“We are still in shock after the attack on my mother by my brother. My mother and his mother are in a polygamous marriage.
“Sibongiseni accused my mother of causing his manhood not to function. But my father says Sibongiseni and his brothers from his mother’s side have problems with fertility,” said Ms Mpofu.
The shocking attack has left the community stunned and the family torn apart.
Sibongiseni (22) is a gold panner from Filabusi and also accused his stepmother of being behind his gold panning failures.
After setting the elderly woman on fire, the perpetrator allegedly watched her burn and engulfed in flames.
She was rescued by a relative who pour water on her and called for help.
“He watched my mother burn as if she was a piece of log or something useless that could be tossed away like trash. His intention was to watch her die like an animal and we are thankful for our relative who saved her life.”
Court documents reveal the attack occurred on 17 May.
He has since appeared in court and was remanded in custody until 3 June.
After the assault, Mpofu reportedly called his younger brother, telling him: “I’ve killed the old woman and I want to kill myself.” The brother has not yet been located.
The matter is set to be heard at Hwange Regional Court.
Hospital sources say Gogo Ncube sustained third-degree burns to the head and face, as well as severe head trauma.
“She can’t speak,” said a nurse.
“She’s on 24-hour monitoring. It’s a miracle she’s alive.”
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the incident. “This is a disturbing case.
The victim was set alight over unfounded witchcraft accusations. We urge communities to use peaceful methods, consult elders, police or spiritual leaders and not to resort to violence.”
The victim’s first-born daughter, Mrs Precious Ncube said the family is devastated and torn apart.
She appealed for help from the public to cover medical expenses.
“We humbly request assistance from well-wishers to support my mother with any form of assistance to cover her medical bills.”
The family says they will not take their mother back to Lupane for fear that she might be attacked again in the event the now-incarcerated Sibongiseni is released on bail.
“My mother still recounts the horrible incident to anyone who comes to visit her from the time he came to ask for cooking oil to when he struck her with an axe and set her alight,” she said.
“She needs counselling to deal with the trauma.”
Those willing to help can contact the family on 0776198154 or 0771637508.
