Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
THE trial of a Bulawayo woman who sparked outrage across the city after allegedly stabbing her husband and two young children to death earlier this year, has been set for November 26 at the High Court.
Happiness Chimbangu (34) of Cowdray Park, who has been in remand prison since her arrest, is accused of murdering her husband, Edwin Chimbangu (35) and their children — Promise (4) and seven-month-old Prudence.
She was served with State papers yesterday in preparation for the trial and was further remanded in custody by Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the killings occurred on January 30. Police officers who attended the scene found Edwin, Promise and Prudence lying on a bed and a mattress with multiple deep stab wounds.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Edwin with severe cuts to the right ear, neck, cheek and near the eye. Promise had a deep wound on the back shoulder and several head injuries.
Prudence was found with deep cuts to the head and cheek. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
A blood-stained metal digger, allegedly used in the attack, was recovered near the door. The bodies were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem examinations.
“A day earlier, on January 29, Happiness had visited her mother and complained that her husband was failing to support the family and that they were living in extreme poverty.
“She reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts,” said Mr Dzimbanhete.
Later that afternoon, she returned to her mother’s home, distressed and told her to “take care of the children,” saying she intended to kill herself, the court heard.
At around 10PM, Edwin called his mother-in-law, asking her to come to their house because his wife was again threatening suicide.
“The mother, together with two churchmates, visited the couple’s home and provided counselling after Happiness allegedly confessed to wanting to end her life.
“They left shortly after midnight,” said Mr Dzimbanhete.
At around 2AM, a church member from the neighbourhood phoned Happiness’s mother, reporting that the accused had arrived at his home and confessed to killing her husband and children.
Police were notified, leading to her arrest.
