Man goes on rampage, allegedly stabs wife during divorce talks

A 56-YEAR-OLD man from Malala Village in Beitbridge District has been arrested after allegedly fatally stabbing his wife during a family meeting convened to resolve a long-standing domestic dispute.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Matshiloni Village, where relatives from both sides had gathered in an effort to reconcile the couple following escalating marital problems.

The suspect, identified as Mukhosi Shadreck Mulaudzi Muthavhatsindi, reportedly became enraged after his in-laws proposed divorce as a solution to the dispute, triggering a confrontation that ended in tragedy.

Police officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, confirmed the incident and the suspect’s arrest.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple was staying together in South Africa and they returned to Zimbabwe on April 24, where upon arrival, the suspect went to his home in Malala and the now deceased went to her maiden home in Matshiloni since the two had a long standing domestic dispute,” said Chief Supt Ncube.

He said the couple, whose relationship had reportedly deteriorated over a prolonged period, had been living in South Africa before returning to Zimbabwe separately last Friday at the height of the dispute.

“Later, on April 26, the suspect went to the in-laws homestead at Matshiloni in the company of a go-between (idombo) with the view to resolve the dispute at the invitation of both families,” he said.

Chief Supt Ncube added that tensions flared during the discussions when the wife’s relatives suggested divorce, a proposal the suspect allegedly rejected.

“During deliberations, the wife’s relatives suggested that the couple should settle for a divorce since they had failed to reach an amicable agreement over a longer period. This did not go down well with the suspect and an argument ensued.”

He said that during the argument, Muthavhatsindi allegedly lunged towards his wife, prompting her to flee and hide behind one of the houses at the homestead.

The suspect later caught up with her and allegedly stabbed her once on the left side of the chest. She screamed before collapsing and died on the spot.

Chief Supt Ncube said the suspect attempted to flee the scene but was pursued and apprehended by members of the public, who later handed him over to the police.

“The suspect is in custody pending his initial court appearance and the body has been conveyed to the hospital for a postmortem,” he added.