Hubby kills wife over $15

A Mt Darwin man who allegedly brutally attacked and strangled his five months pregnant wife to death over $15 has appeared before the High Court on charges of murder.

The murder suspect, Johannes Muringai (age not given) of Gwetera village under Chief Madziwa in Mashonaland West province appeared before Justice Hlekani Mwaera answering to charges of murdering his wife Liana Mutekedzi at around 11pm on Christmas eve last year.

The court heard that on the day in question, Muringai slaughtered a goat for the Christmas celebrations, but took some of the meat for sale at Gwetera village shops.

A misunderstanding later arose between the couple over the proceeds of the meat and Muringai physically attacked his pregnant wife.

Muringai is alleged to have assaulted Mutekedzi with fists and open hands on the face and head while sitting on her chest.

The court further heard that after punching Mutekedzi, Muringai then strangled his wife and left her lifeless body lying on the ground bleeding from the nose and mouth.

Muringai's neighbour, Elizabeth Masaka allegedly witnessed Muringai sitting on his wife's chest, punching and chocking her, before leaving the scene.

In his defence, Muringai denied committing the crime intentionally and blamed his late wife for provoking the situation by taking the cash which she refused to hand over to him when he asked for change to serve a customer.

He said he was enraged when their discussion degenerated into a physical confrontation when she squeezed his private parts which led him to pin her down.

He added that he realised that she had loosened her grip on him and stopped screaming that is when he later realised she could not respond.

The matter was postponed to Wednesday next week for submissions.