Man kills wife over cow

POLICE in Chivhu have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly killed his wife after accusing her of failing to chase away a cow that was drinking water near their garden.

Simbarashe Zishiri (26) is on the run following the death of his wife, Trish Machowa (23), allegedly after the assault.

Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and appealed to the public to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect.

"The suspect is wanted by police in connection with a murder case. Zishiri and the deceased were farm workers at Uitzicht Farm in Chivhu when the incident occurred. We appeal to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to report to the nearest police station," Mwanza said.

According to the police, on October 19 at around 5pm, Zishiri and Machowa went to the garden in the company of farm owner Eveline Chekeche's niece who is a juvenile.

While at the river, Chekeche's 15-year-old niece threw a stone and hit a cow that was drinking water close to where they were also fetching water.

Zishiri was reportedly furious at Machowa for not getting rid of the cow, resulting in the altercation. It is alleged that the suspect then ordered his wife to follow him into the nearby bush and she complied.

Chekeche's niece heard the now deceased crying from the bush as she was being assaulted. The suspect allegedly asked the juvenile to join him in the bush, but she refused and rushed home where she alerted the farm owner.

Chekeche and her niece went to the scene and found Machowa lying on the ground with a swollen cheek. Machowa was rushed to Chivhu Hospital with her husband, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Zishiri reportedly sneaked out of the female ward and disappeared. Chekeche reported the matter to police.