Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A man from Nkayi has been arrested after allegedly unleashing a violent attack on his family, which tragically ended in the death of his infant daughter following a domestic dispute centred on allegations of infidelity.
The suspect, identified as Henry Bhebhe, is alleged to have fatally struck his one-year-11-month-old daughter with a knobkerrie after accusing his wife, Cynthia Ngwenya, of having an affair with his brother, Kwanele Bhebhe, and questioning the paternity of their children.
The incident, which has shocked the local community, also left the couple’s four-year-old son injured after he was allegedly assaulted during the violent outburst.
Police have since arrested Bhebhe and launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sources close to the matter said tensions had reportedly been building within the family over suspected infidelity. It is alleged that Bhebhe accused his wife of being involved in an illicit relationship with his brother and also claimed that his four-year-old son was not biologically his.
In a fit of anger, he allegedly attacked Ms Ngwenya and later turned on the young boy, beating him severely. It is understood that after the assault, Ms Ngwenya reported the matter to Bhebhe’s mother in a bid to seek intervention from family elders. However, efforts to resolve the dispute appear to have failed.
On the following day, May 18, Bhebhe allegedly resumed his violent behaviour, this time confronting and assaulting his brother over the alleged affair.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the situation quickly escalated before the suspect allegedly armed himself with a weapon.
Tragically, during the attack, the infant child became a victim. The toddler sustained critical injuries after allegedly being struck with a knobkerrie and later died.
Commissioner Nyathi condemned the incident in strong terms.
“We are investigating a murder case in Nkayi where a man allegedly killed his infant child following a domestic dispute arising from allegations of infidelity. The suspect has since been arrested and police investigations are in progress. We strongly condemn any form of violence, particularly where innocent children become victims.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged couples facing marital challenges to resolve their disputes peacefully and through lawful means.
“We continue to appeal to members of the public that domestic misunderstandings and marital disputes should never be resolved through violence. People must engage family elders, community leaders, churches, professional counsellors or the police where necessary.
“Suspicions, misunderstandings and allegations should not lead to loss of life. Once people become emotional and resort to violence, irreversible damage is often caused. Children must always be protected. They should never suffer because of disputes involving parents or guardians.”
Police say cases of domestic disputes escalating into fatal incidents remain a cause for concern across the country. In recent years, authorities have repeatedly raised alarm over an increase in crimes of passion, many of which are linked to jealousy, suspected infidelity and family disputes.
Members of the public are being urged to seek counselling and conflict-resolution mechanisms before disagreements turn violent.
Meanwhile, Bhebhe is expected to appear in court facing charges of murder and assault.
