Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A 31-year-old Gweru man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife, after a violent domestic dispute that ended in tragedy in Chinyama Village, Chief Gambiza, Midlands Province.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Brighton Kauhlanga was convicted by the High Court sitting in Gweru for the murder of his wife, Patience Madula (26), following a fatal assault that occurred in December last year.
The court heard that on December 20, 2025, at around 7PM, Kauhlanga returned home from Maguma Business Centre and accused his wife of infidelity while she was seated in a kitchen hut with her mother and their two-year-old son.
A heated altercation allegedly ensued, during which Kauhlanga threatened to kill both his wife and their child.
Fearing for their safety, the child’s grandmother fled the homestead with the minor, leaving the couple behind.
According to prosecutors, Kauhlanga, in a fit of rage, repeatedly assaulted Madula using a burning log before striking her twice on the head with a three-legged aluminium pot.
The vicious attack left her with severe injuries, including deep cuts to the head and legs, as well as multiple bruises across her body.
Later that night, Kauhlanga allegedly contacted the deceased’s brother and indicated that he intended to kill Madula over allegations of an extra-marital affair.
During the conversation, the victim reportedly informed her brother that she had been severely assaulted and could no longer walk.
Police attended the scene in the early hours of December 21 and found Madula’s lifeless body inside the kitchen hut.
A post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was brain injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage and severe head trauma.
After committing the offence, Kauhlanga fled but was later arrested on December 31, 2025.
The latest case adds to growing concern over domestic violence incidents in the country, which continue to claim lives and destroy families.
Authorities and gender rights groups have repeatedly called for peaceful conflict resolution and early intervention in domestic disputes.
The NPAZ urged members of the public to avoid resorting to violence during domestic disagreements and encouraged people to report threats before situations escalate into tragedy.
“Seek peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms and report threats of violence before lives are lost,” said the authority.
Zimbabwe has over the years intensified awareness campaigns against gender-based violence, with stakeholders warning that domestic disputes should never be resolved through violence.
derick.khumalo