Sundaymail Editor
A 44-YEAR-OLD MAN from Burombo Flats in Bulawayo has been arrested for murder following the death of his wife, Siphiwe Ndlovu, who fell from the third floor during a domestic dispute.
On February 15, 2025, at approximately 8pm, Meluleki Ndlovu, under the influence of alcohol, engaged in a dispute with his wife over alleged infidelity.
During the altercation, he reportedly slapped her.
The couple was inside their locked apartment when the victim grabbed the keys. While being assaulted, she climbed onto a couch positioned near the window and jumped from the third floor, landing on her stomach.
She sustained a fractured leg. Additionally, she ended up with an abdominal swelling, and bled from the nose and mouth.
A neighbour who witnessed the fall retrieved the keys and unlocked the apartment door.
Meluleki then called an ambulance, which transported the victim to Mpilo Central Hospital.
The incident was subsequently reported to the police.
Upon visiting the hospital, police learnt that the victim had died, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident and urged couples to resolve disputes peacefully.
“It is disheartening that a life has been lost in such a way. We urge couples to solve their differences in an amicable manner. We also urge members of the public to desist from violence, especially when under the influence of alcohol,” she said. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Chipinge land dispute turns fatal
A longstanding land boundary dispute between two Chipinge neighbours ended tragically when a 40-year-old man was fatally assaulted with a mattock handle.
Fungai Mudhluri died upon arrival at Mount Selinda Mission Hospital, succumbing to severe head, eye and elbow injuries.
The accused, 42-year-old Daniel Mucheto, was arrested following the incident. The dispute arose when Mudhluri warned Mucheto against encroaching on his land.
According to reports, Mucheto reacted violently, seizing a mattock handle and striking Mudhluri repeatedly until he lost consciousness.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, which occurred in Barauta village, Chief Mapungwana’s area.
“Mucheto had been clearing bushes in their gum tree plantation.
“After finishing his work around 10am, he returned home. Later, at approximately 4pm, Mudhluri visited Mucheto’s homestead, claiming ownership of the land Mucheto had cleared,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
“This sparked a violent reaction from Mucheto, who then attacked Mudhluri.”
The accused person’s sister, Susan Mucheto, of the same village, who witnessed the incident, called for help from neighbhours, among them Mudhluri’s relatives.
“The deceased’s relatives hired Tinashe Makuyana of Dimire village, Chief Mapungwana, Chipinge, to transport Mudhluri to Mount Selinda Mission Hospital.
“However, Mudhluri was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and a report was made at the ZRP Chipinge Rural Chako Base. Police attended the scene and arrested Mucheto,” he added.
Ass Insp Chinyoka urged the public to resolve disputes peacefully, advocating mediation by elders or third parties to avoid violence. — Manica Post
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Goblin charm cited in rape case
An 18-year-old man from Nkulumane in Bulawayo has been arrested and charged with rape after allegedly assaulting a girl aged 15 who had sought his assistance to ward off “goblins”.
Knowledge Nyathi appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, where he pleaded not guilty.
He was remanded in custody for
trial.
Nyathi claims the relationship was consensual, asserting that he and the complainant engaged in consensual sexual intercourse on the day of the alleged offence.
He stated that the complainant arrived at his residence unexpectedly around midnight, intending to “surprise” him.
“We continued discussing until we had consensual sexual intercourse. The complainant’s brother arrived . . . and told me to flee, saying their parents had reported me for sleeping with her,” Nyathi testified.
He refused to flee and was subsequently arrested.
“The complainant told me her parents advised her to
make such a complaint,” he alleged.
“She visited me with her younger brother and told me that if she revealed we were in a love relationship, her parents would chase her away from home and it would also land them in jail.”
Nyathi further claimed the complainant’s parents demanded US$200 from his family for damages and they paid US$150 after negotiation.
According to the prosecution, on January 13, 2023, Nyathi invited the complainant to his home, claiming he would provide her with a charm to repel goblins”.
Upon her arrival, he allegedly instructed her to follow him to his bedroom, where he then ordered her to undress and lie down before raping her.
The matter was reported to the police by the complainant’s parents after they discovered the sexual relationship, leading to Nyathi’s arrest. — B-Metro
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Valentine’s gift leads to assault, court case
A Valentine’s Day gift triggered a violent altercation in Harare, resulting in Tinashe Chiyangwa assaulting his mother-in-law, Elita Mpofu, whom he accused of encouraging his wife’s infidelity.
The incident, which occurred on February 14, has resulted in Mpofu seeking legal recourse at the Harare Civil Court.
Mpofu alleges that Chiyangwa arrived at her residence in fit a rage, accusing his wife of infidelity after she received a gift from another man. Upon attempting to de-escalate the situation, the complainant states that Chiyangwa became increasingly aggressive.
“He pushed me to the ground and began assaulting me, accusing me of encouraging my daughter’s promiscuity. Despite my daughter’s attempts to clarify that the gift was a friendly gesture, he refused to listen,” Mpofu testified.
She sustained a leg injury and suffered emotional trauma as a result of the assault.
In his defence, Chiyangwa admitted to losing his temper, attributing his actions to frustration.
“I was angry because my mother-in-law allowed another man to give my wife a romantic gift on Valentine’s Day. She knows I paid lobola for her daughter, yet she permits other men to approach her,” he said.
While acknowledging his wrongdoing, he emphasised his feelings of betrayal and disrespect.
“I know what I did was wrong. I failed to control my emotions.”
Magistrate Meenal Naratom condemned Chiyangwa’s actions, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace within families.
“Violence is never the answer, regardless of the circumstances. Your actions were unjustifiable and have caused harm to your mother-in-law,” the magistrate said.
The court granted Mpofu a peace order, prohibiting Chiyangwa from harassing or approaching her. — Wires
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter