Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A QUIET village in Matobo turned into a scene of terror on 30 October 2025 when 23-year-old Melissa Ndlovu and her family became victims of a shocking act of violence.
The alleged attacker, Florence Ndlovu from Ntabazinduna, reportedly poured petrol over a shack and set it ablaze, killing Melissa and severely injuring her husband, Delight Nyathi, a diehard Highlanders supporter, and their one-year-old child.
Sources told B-Metro that Florence was Delight’s side chick and she lost it when she discovered that he was living with another woman.
Neighbours watched in horror as the flames engulfed the wooden and iron-sheet shack where the young family lived. With the door locked, they had to break through the walls to pull the trio out. “Not knowing whether they were alive destroyed us emotionally,” said Nyathi’s brother, still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Once rescued, a resident rushed the burning family to United Bulawayo Hospital. Police initially blocked their path, but after a tense explanation, they were allowed through. Melissa was pronounced dead on arrival. Nyathi died the following day, while the baby remains in intensive care, fighting for life.
The suspect remains on the run, leaving both families devastated and frustrated at the slow police response. “We want answers. We feel let down by the Matobo Police,” said one relative. The exact circumstances of the deaths are still murky, adding an almost supernatural sense of dread to the tragedy.
According to a friend who broke the news, Florence allegedly poured fuel into the shack where Nyathi, who worked as an artisanal miner, stayed. Melissa’s body was badly burnt, while Nyathi and the child survived with severe burns.
Family members told B-Metro they had barely known Nyathi, who had lived with the Ndlovu family for three years. “He never paid the bride price. They came here and left us a 100-dollar bill like that would bring our daughter back,” a relative said, tears streaming down.
Another relative of Nyathi, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “My younger brother died in my arms. The pain is unbearable. We hope the police catch this cold-hearted murderer and put her in jail forever. Our focus now is on the recovery of our son and grandchild.”
Funeral arrangements are being prepared for both Nyathi and Melissa. However, tensions between the families mean the couple cannot be buried together, a bitter reminder of the fractured bonds in the wake of this horror.
Inspector Chiratidzo Dube of Matabeleland South confirmed the case, saying the police are actively searching for Florence Ndlovu. He urged the public to remain calm and resolve disputes peacefully, warning against taking matters into their own hands.
The tragedy has shaken Matobo, leaving the community to grapple with the consequences of extreme rage and jealousy. It is a chilling warning of how personal disputes can spiral into acts of irreversible violence.
