Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A ROW over infidelity that erupted between a Rusape couple ended in tragedy when the wife fatally assaulted her drunk husband who was accusing her of infidelity.
Homicide police have since arrested Netsai Matsikira (38), of Vengere suburb, for allegedly killing her husband — Charles Chikukwa (42).
Matsikira is being charged with murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The couple had a long standing history of domestic disputes.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, adding that Matsikira allegedly pushed her late husband, causing him to fall headlong onto a pavement.
Matsikira allegedly proceeded to struck Chikukwa on the abdomen and chest with a stick.
Upon realising that Chikukwa was unconscious, Matsikira hired a taxi and rushed him to Rusape General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Matsikira was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
“The deceased and accused person were husband and wife, and on April 18, 2025 during the evening, the now late Chikukwa arrived home drunk, and had an altercation with his wife. Chikukwa accused his wife of infidelity, claiming that he was seeing another unnamed man.
“During the scuffle, Matsikira pushed Chikukwa, and he fell headlong on a brick pavement. Matsikira went to the kitchen, and took a gumtree stick, which she used to assault Chikukwa once on the stomach and twice on the chest. When Matsikira realised that Chikukwa was unconscious, she summoned her two daughters, who helped her to carry him into their bedroom.
“Matsikira later hired a taxi to ferry Chikukwa to Rusape General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene, inspected the body and found that it had bruises on the chest.
“The body was conveyed to the hospital mortuary for a post-mortem,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He urged couples to solve marital issues amicably through seeking help from close relatives, community and church leaders.
He said the use of violence does not solve contentious issues, but rather create serious and regrettable problems.
“As the police we would like to remind people that violence is not the solution. Married people must get assistance from close relatives or church members when they encounter challenges in their union.
“Life is very precious and must not be lost in trivial circumstances,” he said.
Online Reporter