Widow in murder-suicide

A SANYATI widow allegedly plunged herself and her three-year-old son into a well last Friday after failing to fend for her family.

A close family member and local councillor, Patrick Chakauya, identified the deceased as Patience Chakauya nee Majoni and her son, Obey.

"Yes, I can confirm that my brother's wife drowned, but I will not disclose much detail, as the police are investigating the matter," Chakauya said.

Sources said Patience was pushed into committing suicide as she struggled to look after her four children following her husband's death in April.

"She was a troubled woman. Her failure to look after her children drove her to do what she did and the fear to leave her small child pushed her that far. It's unfortunate," a source said.

A local church leader, who refused to be identified, also said Patience was a "troubled soul, since April when her husband died".

But Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Inspector, Clemence Mabgweazara yesterday said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.