Relatives dismiss Chikukwa murder claims

Relatives of the 30-year-old woman, Upenyu Gijima, who was alleged to have been murdered by his husband, have dismissed the allegations, saying their daughter died due to natural causes, ZBC reported on Wednesday.

Gijima was wife to the Minister of State for Harare Province, Miriam Chikukwa's nephew, Samuel Chikukwa.

An online publication, Zim-Eye, carried a story recently, alleging that Samuel had murdered his wife, Upenyu, who actually died on the 6th of November after suffering a stroke for the second time.

The deceased's father, Mr Godfrey Gijima expressed concern over the false media reports, saying his son in law stood by her daughter during the time she was sick, adding that the malicious reports are unfortunate.

Samuel said her wife has been sick for some time after suffering a stroke last year, adding that her wife suffered a second stroke which led to her death.

He said his mother-in-law denied him the opportunity to take his wife to hospital after seeking services of a traditional healer and a prophet.

The social media has been awash with reports that Samuel murdered his wife in cold blood.

Meanwhile, Miriam Chikukwa expressed shock at the social media reports, saying the couple lived in harmony.