Man kills wife, commits suicide

A MAN from Dombojena Village in Shurugwi allegedly stabbed his wife several times with a knife and finished her off with an axe before committing suicide.

Acting Midlands police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident.

Asst Insp Mukwende said Tafara Chikwekwete (36) allegedly stabbed his wife Shumirai Mabhikwa (34) several times before striking her to death with an axe, at the height of a dispute.

“Police in Midlands are investigating a case of sudden death where a 36-year-old man, who had earlier killed his wife, was found dead near his homestead by a neighbour,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said the incident occurred on March 17 around 0800hrs at Dombojena Village in Shurugwi.

“Chikwekwete stabbed his wife with a knife and struck her with an axe before fleeing from the scene. She was taken to Shurugwi District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

On March 19, around 0900hrs, the couple’s neighbour found Chikwekwete’s body a few metres from his homestead.

The matter was reported to the police and Chikwekwete’s body was taken to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary.

Asst Insp Mukwende appealed to the public to always involve a third party whenever misunderstandings arise.

Last month, another man from Shurugwi fatally axed his wife, who had taken him to a self-proclaimed prophet for prayers to assist him to quit beer and start going to church.