Police hunt artisanal miner over wife’s murder

Freedom Mupanedemo

POLICE in Gweru have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old artisanal miner accused of fatally striking his wife with a hammer following a domestic feud.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi (37), also known as Khaye, is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his wife, Patricia Nyathi (32).

The couple had been living together in Mkoba 4 suburb since December last year before their relationship allegedly turned sour, leading to the fatal incident.

“We are appealing for assistance from the public to locate and arrest a murder suspect, Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, also known as Khaye, of Mkonto Village under Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe. He is known to be an artisanal miner operating from Shurugwi,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said Baloyi has since been placed on the police wanted persons list in connection with the alleged murder.

“The offence occurred on March 2 at around 3AM in Mkoba 4 suburb, Gweru. The now deceased Patricia Nyathi and the suspect had been staying together since December 2025,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said Nyathi was outside the house doing laundry when the suspect allegedly confronted her and accused her of infidelity.

“Nhlalo allegedly went into the house and took a vehicle shock absorber. Sibothabo Sibanda (13), the deceased’s daughter, sensed danger and intervened, stopping him from attacking her mother,” he said.

However, the suspect allegedly returned to the house and armed himself with a hammer, which he used to strike Nyathi several times on the head.

“Nyathi fell and died on the spot. After committing the gruesome murder, the suspect fled from the scene and his whereabouts are currently unknown,” said Insp Mahoko.

“We are appealing to members of the public with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or contact the Zimbabwe Republic Police WhatsApp tip-off line 0712 800 197.”