Sundaymail Editor
A MAN has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for heinously killing his wife.
Fedwell Moyo (45), of Enyandeni village in Gwanda, was convicted of murder by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Naison Chivayo.
The court heard that Moyo fatally assaulted his 27-year-old wife, Nomathemba Msipa, with a stone and a log, before burying her body in a shallow grave in a maize field.
During trial, Moyo pleaded not guilty, claiming his wife was the one who attacked him with an axe.
He further claimed that he acted in self-defence.
Judge Chivayo dismissed Moyo’s defence, saying it was inconsistent with the evidence presented.
A disagreement over proceeds from the sale of maize reportedly sparked the incident, as the couple differed on how to use the money.
Moyo wanted to use it for school fees, while Msipa thought it could be used for business.
The argument escalated and Moyo struck his wife on the head with a stone.
She fell as a result, but he continued assaulting her with a log, fracturing her leg.
Realising she was dead, Moyo placed her body into a scotch cart.
He then asked his daughter, who was unaware of her mother’s condition, to hold a lamp.
Upon reaching a maize field, the duo left the scotch cart and returned back home.
However, after his daughter fell asleep, Moyo returned and buried his wife in a shallow grave.
Moyo’s actions came to light when he reportedly confided in a neighbour, Levious Tshaka, who subsequently reported the matter to the police. — B-Metro
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Chipinge woman sentenced for burying new-born in garden
Tariro Guzete of Chipinge has been convicted of concealing a birth after delivering a baby in a toilet and burying the body in a garden.
Magistrate Cathrene Dzivanyika sentenced Guzete to 140 hours of community service.
Prosecutor Pamela Mufudza said Guzete’s younger sister saw her leaving the toilet with a plastic bag, which she then disposed of in the garden.
The sister informed their mother, who was aware of Guzete’s pregnancy.
“When questioned, the offender fled but was apprehended by the public, leading to her arrest,” Mufudza said. — Manica Post
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Penhalonga mother neglects, abuses minor
A 12-year-old boy was abandoned by his mother, Moreblessing Machinji (28), and left to fend for himself for three months.
The child reportedly endured starvation and was forced to sleep outdoors in cold conditions.
After learning of the incident, irate residents threatened to mete instant justice on Machinji.
According to Janet Majanasi-Chimwanda, Machinji’s former landlady, the boy sought refuge at her house.
“When she realised I had taken him in, she left. She abandoned the young boy. I assumed she would return, but she never did. I do not know her or her boyfriend’s current location,” she said.
Chimwanda reported that the boy had been neglected and abused since moving in with his mother last year.
“Machinji has two children; the other child resides with their father. This boy’s father is in Bulawayo and Machinji alleges he does not provide financial support.
“In January, she evicted him and locked him out. He began sleeping near a vending stall, which led me to take him in. I could not bear his suffering. I have been caring for him since then,” she said.
Machinji relocated and left the boy behind.
“She does not care for him. I had to accommodate him in my bedroom and provide him with food. Machinji would physically assault him and force him to sleep outside if she discovered he had been fed.”
Linda Zvinodavanhu, Chimwanda’s daughter-in-law, corroborated the story.
“Machinji frequently accused her son of theft … He lacked adequate clothing, and we provided for his basic needs. She abandoned him with us,” Zvinodavanhu said.
“She would tell him she was not his mother. He became suicidal, which prompted us to intervene …”
The boy expressed a desire to live with his father, Melusi Moyo, in Gwanda.
“I hope my father finds me … I have not been treated well. I last attended school in Grade Two at Jombe B Primary School in Honde Valley. I should be in Grade Five, but I have missed three years,” he said, highlighting his plight.
When contacted, Machinji said Chimwanda forcibly took her son.
“They turned my child against me. Even after I moved, they prevented him from speaking to me,” she claimed.
Machinji admitted he had chased away her son because he was disrespectful.
“I did it because he was insulting and disobedient. I was disciplining him, but they alienated him from me. I was waiting for my mother to assist in resolving the matter,” she said, before shifting blame to the boy’s father. “It is equally his fault,” she said.
Community members condemned Machinji’s actions.
“This is distressing. No child should endure such treatment. The authorities must ensure the boy receives care, education and protection. The mother must be held accountable for child abuse,” said Lucia Chihlangu, a neighbour. — Manica Post
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Deputy head on the run amid sexual abuse allegations
A deputy headmaster at Masase High School in Mberengwa is currently on the run after allegations that he sexually abused over 35 learners.
Anymore Gumbo reportedly left the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe-run school premises prior to a police investigation into the reported abuse.
Sources allege that Gumbo would bring learners into his office and then sexually assault them.
Police and education officials have since started investigations.
School insiders allege that the headmaster, Albion Masukume, attempted to sweep the case under the carpet.
“Officials were dispatched to the school following an anonymous tip-off from a teacher.
“The headmaster has strict control over the school and learners are only permitted to report issues to him, which has resulted in many victims remaining silent,” said a parent, whose child was allegedly victimised.
The parent also raised concerns over the headmaster’s potential involvement.Masukume acknowledged the allegations but denied any involvement, saying he had informed parents about the matter and referred the case to the police.
In a written statement, he said: “I write with sorrow . . . allegations of child abuse by a staff member were reported. Investigations are underway.”
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that Gumbo was still at large. — Midlands Bureau
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