Zimbabwean woman awaits surgery after husband's shooting spree

A 26-year-old woman from Chimanimani is awaiting specialist surgery after a bullet became lodged in her jaw during a violent attack allegedly carried out by her husband, who remains on the run.

Ms Mercyline Mahembe was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital last Sunday following the Independence Day shooting that left three people injured.

Her husband, Francis Makuma Magirayano (30), is now being sought by authorities and is believed to have fled into Mozambique en route to South Africa.

The shooting, which occurred at Kopa Business Centre in Muchadziya Village, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Police say the suspect opened fire during what is believed to be a domestic dispute, injuring his wife, her sister, and a local shopkeeper.

Ms Mahembe sustained multiple gunshot wounds. A bullet entered the right side of her jaw and remains lodged on the left, leaving her with dental injuries. She was also shot in the right hand and left thigh.

A medical expert monitoring her condition said she is stable and expected to be reviewed by maxillofacial specialists in Harare.

A local villager, Thompson Makhuyana, said the attack may have been triggered by unverified allegations of infidelity.

"We heard that someone informed him that his wife was cheating. He drove here on what appears to have been a revenge mission," Makhuyana said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since launched a nationwide manhunt and is appealing for information that could lead to the suspect's arrest.

In a statement, police confirmed that Magirayano is wanted in connection with attempted murder and was last seen driving a silver Toyota Fortuner (registration JV 70 SM GP).

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to locate and apprehend the suspect.