admin
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
A Nyazura man has been given a life sentence after he was found guilty of murdering his wife in broad daylight and in the presence of their minor daughter on the streets of Rusape.
Although Taurai Nyanga (29) had pleaded not guilty to the murder charges he was facing, Mutare High Court Judge, Justice Isaac Muzenda sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Nyanga argued that he was greatly provoked and anger clouded his judgement.
He, however, was convicted of murder with actual intent.
Mr Marlvin Musarurwa prosecuted.
The court heard that Nyanga of Clare Farm Compound in Nyazura murdered Ms Tariro Mutumbani of Chitova Farm, Rusape, by stabbing her all over the body with an Okapi knife.
The couple was on separation when the incident occurred.
“On August 14, 2022, at Corner Silverbow Road and Mbuya Nehanda Street, Jacaranda Market Place in Rusape, Nyanga fatally stabbed Ms Mutumbami with an Okapi knife several times on the head, twice on the neck, once on the left jaw below the ear, once on the right ear, once on the left armpit and once on the forearm,” said Mr Musarurwa.
Ms Mutumbami died on the spot due to the injuries.
Post-mortem results revealed that the cause of her death was acute anaemia which was caused by the knife.
Testifying in court, a witness, Mr Batistayi Musavava said he saw Nyanga grabbing Ms Mutumbami’s neck and tripping her to the ground, before stabbing her in broad daylight.
“On the day in question, I was at the crime scene and saw Nyanga opening Ms Mutumbami’s handbag. He took three 200ml bottles of an illicit brew and threw them over the hospital fence.
“He grabbed Ms Mutumbami by the neck and tripped her to the ground. She fell to the ground on her stomach. The accused person stabbed her all over her body with a knife,” said Mr Musavava.
He said Nyanga only stopped stabbing Ms Mutumbami after he threatened to hit him with a log.
Nyanga sped off from the crime scene, leaving Ms Mutumbami bleeding profusely.
“I threatened Nyanga with a log and he fled from the scene. Ms Mutumbami was lying on the ground with blood oozing from her deep wounds,” said Mr Musavava.
Another witness, Ms Linda Mutendwa said she saw Ms Mutumbami in the company of her child.
“The deceased was in the company of her child when I saw her. She bought soft drinks from me, and they both went to sit on a slab behind the market stall. I saw Nyanga arriving. He grabbed the deceased’s hand.
“They walked to a tree and stood under it. They later returned to the slab. Nyanga tripped Ms Mutumbami to the ground, while grabbing her by the neck. She tried to escape, but Nyanga grabbed her firmly.
“He savagely stabbed Ms Mutumbami as she was on the ground. She shouted for help and that is when Mr Musavaya got a log and charged towards Nyanga. Nyanga fled from the scene.
“Members of the public chased Nyanga and effected a citizen’s arrest. Ms Mutumbami rose from the ground and staggered towards where I was standing.
“She asked me to look after her daughter as she was dying. She collapsed and died. I noticed that she was bleeding from open wounds on her neck, throat, shoulder and armpit,” said Ms Mutendwa.
In his defence, Nyanga said he acted out of anger.
“I did not cause my wife’s death. On August 14, 2022, I went to Rusape with the intention of seeing my daughter after I was told that she was not feeling well.
“Along Silverstone Road, I saw my wife getting a hug from her boyfriend. I felt disrespected, but tried to remain calm. We moved from the market stalls for a distance of 80m and my wife apologised to me.
“We later returned to the market stall. I peeped into my wife’s handbag and saw some illicit brews inside. I threw them over the hospital fence. I also observed that my wife’s boyfriend was also drinking the same type of brew that was in her handbag. I seethed with anger as it became clear that my wife was cheating on me,” said Nyanga.
He added: “In a moment of rage and madness, I attacked my wife with a knife. I did not intend to kill her. I was provoked and anger clouded my judgment.”
Online Reporter