Wife ‘killer’ hangs self

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A man who allegedly fatally assaulted his wife for ignoring his phone calls has committed suicide by hanging, a day after the incident, police confirmed.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the suicide occurred on Saturday at around 10 AM.

She said Timothy Chiminya (age not given) of Village 15 in Bhuka area, Mushandike Resettlement under Chief Charumbira was found hanging from a tree in a bush, a day after he killed his wife.

“I can confirm receiving a report that Chiminya who on Friday disappeared after allegedly fatally striking his wife with a hoe handle was found hanging from a tree. His body was found by some villagers who alerted the police. No foul play is suspected,” said Insp Mazula.

Police said on Thursday evening at around 11PM Chiminya struck his wife, Delight Mutuvira, 23, several times on the head and body with a hoe handle.

Mutuvira screamed for help during the attack, attracting a female neighbour who alerted other villagers.

A villager, Gladys Gumbochuma said Chiminya, who had a record of spousal abuse, accused Mutuvira of ignoring her phone calls during the day but chose to ask her at night after drinking beer.

“During the afternoon while at a beer drink Chiminya called his wife on her mobile phone and she did not answer. He became angry.

“When he arrived at home at around 11PM the abusive Chiminya asked why Mutuvira was ignoring his calls. She told him the phone was on a charger. A dispute arose, leading to the tragedy,” said Gumbochuma.

Chiminya is alleged to have picked a hoe handle before striking Mutuvira several times on the head and body leaving her for dead. He fled into the nearby bush leaving Mutuvira lying in a pool of blood.

Gumbochuma said a report was made to the police who attended the scene but Chiminya had already fled.

Mutuvira was rushed to Mushandike Clinic after which she was referred to Masvingo General Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.