Wife-killer jailed

Court Reporter
A 36-year-old man who struck his wife with an iron bar and killed her a day after their separation following a paternity dispute was yesterday sentenced to two years in prison, 12 years after committing the crime. Chenjerai Utete of Zengeza 2 in Chitungwiza pleaded guilty to culpable homicide before Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya, who sentenced him to six years in prison. Mr Mujaya suspended four years for five years on condition of good behaviour. He will serve an effective two years in prison.

Prosecutor Mrs Kudzai Chigwedere told the court that Stella Gandidzanwa, who was married to Utete for 11 years, died 20 days after the attack.

The court heard that the couple separated over infidelity with Utete alleging that their first son was not his.
On December 30, 2002 Utete visited his wife at her parents’ home in Mhondoro after he had sent her packing the previous day.
On the pretext of engaging his wife in reconciliatory talks, Utete was welcomed to the village.

While the couple sat outside, Utete picked up an iron bar that was lying nearby and struck his wife several times on the head.
He ran away after the attack, leaving his wife bleeding profusely.

Gandidzanwa was rushed to Monera Clinic in Mhondoro and then transferred to Harare Central Hospital.
She died on January 18, 2003 due to head injuries sustained in the assault.