Widower cleared of causing wife’s death

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter

 

A NYANGA man, Hilary Chisuko, has vehemently denied allegations by his in-laws that he was responsible for his wife’s death in a car accident last April. Chisuko, who was also critically injured in the incident and regained consciousness two months later, stated the accusations are entirely false.

 

The matter was brought before Chief Mutasa’s community court recently, where Chisuko revealed that his wife’s relatives were accusing him of forcing her into the vehicle, and also suspecting foul play involving ritual practices.

 

However, Chisuko maintains that the tragic event was a genuine accident, which left him bedridden for months and financially incapacitated.

 

“On April 23, 2024, my wife and I were travelling to a church conference in Gandanzara when our vehicle was involved in an accident. Tragically, my wife and another woman lost their lives, while I fell into a coma. I only regained consciousness on June 28, 2024, at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare,” recounted Chisuko.

 

He explained that he was unaware of the fatalities until he recovered from the coma, having sustained severe injuries, including broken legs, which left him bedridden and undergoing physiotherapy in Mutare for several months.

 

Upon regaining consciousness, Chisuko was informed of the accident and his wife’s death, which had happened two months prior. After his discharge from hospital, he was taken home to Nyanga.

 

In August, while still unable to walk, Chisuko sent a mediator with US$200 to his in-laws, seeking permission to visit his wife’s grave.

 

However, they refused, demanding US$700 instead, which Chisuko could not afford due to his ill-health.

 

Chisuko revisited his in-laws in December after regaining mobility, hoping to pay his respects and offer condolences in person.

 

Instead, he faced hostility and accusations of deliberately causing his wife’s death.

 

“They claimed that a neighbour (Mai Gari) had alleged that I forced my wife into the car that day. They also stated that my daughter, Fadzi, had informed them that her mother had expressed reluctance to attend the church gathering. They further accused me of having an argument with my wife before the trip, and even suggested that I had killed her for ritual purposes,” said Chisuko.

 

Chisuko was left distraught by the accusations from his late wife’s family, who suspect foul play in her death.
This comes after he attempted to mend relations with his in-laws.

 

“I loved my wife. We were travelling to church together, and it hurts to be accused of causing her death when I was also injured, and almost died,” he said.

 

One of the late woman’s brothers, Rinos Terera confirmed that the family harboured deep suspicions surrounding the circumstances of his sister’s death. He alleged that Chisuko had never formally finalised their marriage.

 

“We were shocked when we heard she had died in the accident because we were told that she did not want to go to church that day. The car they were travelling in belonged to Chisuko’s sister,” said Rinos.

 

Rinos further questioned why Chisuko’s family did not contribute to the funeral expenses.

 

“We had to top up the funeral policy because it was not up to date. The Chisuko family failed to meet us halfway, including the sister who owned the vehicle. When we asked what really happened, Chisuko kept saying it was an accident, even when evidence from his daughter suggested otherwise. We plan to sue those responsible in the civil court,” added Rinos.

 

The late woman’s family also expressed concern over Chisuko’s sister’s conduct during their relative’s funeral.

 

The sister who owned the vehicle is said to have refused to view the body of the deceased or attend the gravesite during the burial.

 

Chief Mutasa dismissed the ritual killing suspicions as speculative, reminding the family that accidents are unpredictable by nature.

 

“An accident is an accident. When death occurs, no one plans it unless it is suicide. I see nothing wrong with Chisuko travelling with his wife to church,” he said, further emphasising that Chisuko should not be punished for events that transpired while he was unconscious.

“If his relatives did not behave appropriately during the funeral, the blame is on them, not him,” he said.
Chief Mutasa advised both families to consider spiritual consultations with traditional or faith healers if they seek answers about the cause of the accident. However, Rinos informed the court that his family had already left the matter in the deceased’s hands.

 

“As she lay in her coffin, we implored on her to avenge her own death. She will avenge her death and punish those responsible,” said Rinos.