Man beats mother-in-law to death

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A CHIREDZI man allegedly fatally assaulted his 73-year-old mother-in-law as she tried to play peacemaker following an argument with his wife over mismanagement of finances on Christmas Day.

David Ndlovu, 40, of 23 K Compound in Mkwasine allegedly slapped Hellen Sigauke until she fell on her back and became unconscious. She was rushed to Chiredzi Hospital where she was pronounced dead on admission.

Her body was taken to the hospital’s mortuary where it is awaiting post-mortem.

Neighbours told The Chronicle that Ndlovu was not happy with the way his wife Tendai Mhlanga, 32, had used the money he had given her to buy groceries for Christmas.

The two allegedly had a row which degenerated into a fist fight.

“Ndlovu who was visibly drunk after spending the whole of Christmas Day drinking with friends at the sugar estate’s beer hall confronted Mhlanga who was fast asleep.

“He accused her of being wasteful claiming that she didn’t know how to use family finances properly,” said Charity Moyo, a neighbour.

Moyo said Ndlovu demanded an account of how Mhlanga had used the money.

She said the two made so much noise that Sigauke, who was sleeping in another room woke up.

Sigauke, said another neighbour, rushed into the two’s bedroom where she intended to restrain them from fighting but was met by an irate Ndlovu who slapped her several times before she fell down.

“Ndlovu slapped his mother-in-law several times in the face and she fell down on her back with a thud before becoming unconscious. Mhlanga and some neighbours rushed her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead upon admission,” she said.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said Ndlovu was arrested and would appear in court facing a murder charge.

“I can confirm receiving a report of murder involving a son-in-law and mother-in-law. Sigauke’s next of kin have been notified,” said Insp Mazula.

She advised members of the public to seek counselling from police or relatives instead of resorting to violence.