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Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A 37-year-old man from Vhembe View suburb in Beitbridge, who is accused of killing two sisters, one of which was his wife, and burning their bodies, has been remanded on murder charges to April 26.
The motive behind the killing of Everjoy (30) and Sandra (20) Chapasuka is not yet known.
Philani Mukothamo recently handed himself to the police after a month of running away.
He was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before magistrate Miss Annia Chimweta for his initial remand.
Prosecuting, Miss Esnath Vengedza, said Mukothamo had been married to Everjoy and that her young sister Sandra had visited them to seek employment in Beitbridge. He allegedly killed the two women and burnt their bodies on the night of March 7 and then fled to Mashavire Business Centre.
At around 00.45am, a neighbour bathing at his house heard an explosion and went out to investigate. Police were phoned and they alerted the Beitbridge Fire Brigade, which swiftly responded.
The fire was eventfully put out and the two women’s remains were found lying in a corner of the room and burnt beyond recognition.
Forensic experts were called in to ascertain the cause of fire. Initially, the case was being treated as an ordinary case of house fire, but police investigations later pointed to murder and arson
Realising that he had ran out of luck, Mukothamo surrendered himself to the police.
Online Reporter