Man kills wife over her new cellphone

A 34-YEAR-OLD man from Mberengwa flew into a rage and stabbed his wife leading to her death following a misunderstanding over her new cellphone, a court heard yesterday.

The woman died at Zvishavane District Hospital on Thursday following the attack on Wednesday.

Nyasha Mandanda of Magada village under Chief Nyamhondo yesterday appeared before Mberengwa Magistrate Mrs Evia Matura facing murder charges.

Mrs Matura remanded Mandanda in custody to April 3 and also advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Ms Wadzanai Shayanewako told the court that on Wednesday, Mandanda came home from work and found his wife, Natsiwe Moyo (24), having a bath. "The accused person noticed a cellphone which was new and decided to ask the now deceased about it. When the accused person questioned his wife about the cellphone, she did not give a clear answer and a misunderstanding arose," said Ms Shayanewako.

She said Mandanda suspected his wife was cheating and thought her lover might have bought her the phone.

As the row escalated, the prosecutor said, Mandanda who was armed with a knife stabbed Moyo on the right side of the neck and left her lying on the floor.

The court heard Moyo shouted for help and neighbours came to her rescue. "Moyo was rushed to Mberengwa District hospital where she was transferred to Zvishavane District hospital and she died on admission," said Ms Shayanewako.

She said Mandanda was later arrested.