Gokwe man attacks wife, father-in-law with an axe

Midlands Bureau

A Gokwe man seriously injured his wife and father-in-law after attacking them with an axe. The man Matare Karikoga (46) was angered by his father-in-law’s Solomom Chikwiko (72) decision to welcome his daughter, Mailet Chikwiko (27), into his home after he and his wife had a domestic dispute.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred last Tuesday in Karikoga Village under Chief Sayi, Gokwe.

“Mailet Chikwiko (27) and the suspect, Matare Karikoga (46) are husband and wife. They had a misunderstanding which resulted in Mailet packing her bags and leaving for her parents’ homestead on August 19,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the following day, at about 1 am, Matare followed his wife and on arrival forcibly opened the door to the room in which his wife was sleeping.

“He struck her with an axe several times on the head and all over the body,” he said.

Milet’s father Solomom Chikwiko (72) heard her daughter calling for help and rushed to her rescue but was also attacked by Matare.

“Matare struck him several times on the head and hands before further assaulting Mailet with a stick,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Chikwiko and his daughter are admitted at Gokwe District Hospital and are in a serious condition.

He said the suspect is still at large and investigations are underway.

“Once again, we urge the general public to desist from resorting to violence when resolving disputes,” said Insp Mahoko.