Wife killer blames evil spirits

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
A 54-YEAR-OLD man from Umguza district in Matabeleland North province last week axed his wife to death and blamed evil spirits for influencing him.

Sikhanyisiwe Zondo of Mawayilesini Village in Insuza locked the bedroom hut before fleeing the scene.

His wife’s lifeless body was discovered by their 13-year-old daughter.

Police arrested Zondo on June 14, the same day he axed his wife, Ms Nothando Mnkandla, (49) while she was asleep.

According to Matabeleland North provincial spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda, when Zondo was arrested, he was found with a class one snare wire which he said he intended to use to commit suicide.

He was also found with a written note blaming evil spirits for influencing him to commit murder.

There has been a sharp increase in domestic violence cases which in some cases has resulted in death since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission said domestic violence cases increased by more than 100 percent since the outbreak of the pandemic.