Widower cleared of causing wife's death

Hilary Chisuko, a man from Nyanga, has strongly denied accusations by his late wife's family that he was responsible for her death in a car accident last April. Chisuko, who himself was critically injured and unconscious for two months following the crash, described the allegations as "entirely false."

The dispute came to light at a recent sitting of Chief Mutasa's community court, where Chisuko revealed that his in-laws accused him of forcing his wife into the vehicle and even suspected foul play involving ritual practices.

Chisuko maintained that the tragedy was a genuine accident that left him bedridden for months and financially incapacitated.

"On April 23, 2024, my wife and I were travelling to a church conference in Gandanzara when our vehicle was involved in an accident. Tragically, my wife and another woman lost their lives, while I fell into a coma. I only regained consciousness on June 28, 2024, at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare," he explained.

He said he was unaware of the deaths until he woke from the coma, having suffered severe injuries including broken legs. Following months of physiotherapy in Mutare, Chisuko was discharged and taken home to Nyanga.

In August, while still unable to walk, Chisuko sent a mediator with US$200 to his in-laws seeking permission to visit his wife's grave. The family refused, demanding US$700 instead, which Chisuko could not afford due to his health condition.

By December, after regaining mobility, Chisuko personally visited his in-laws hoping to pay respects and offer condolences. Instead, he was met with hostility and accusations.

"They claimed that a neighbour, Mai Gari, said I forced my wife into the car. They also said my daughter told them my wife was reluctant to attend the church event. They accused me of arguing with my wife before the trip and even suggested I killed her for ritual purposes," Chisuko said.

Distressed by the allegations, Chisuko insisted, "I loved my wife. We were travelling to church together, and it hurts to be accused of causing her death when I was also injured and nearly died."

The late woman's brother, Rinos Terera, confirmed their suspicions around the circumstances of her death, alleging Chisuko never formally finalized their marriage.

"We were shocked when we heard she died in the accident because she reportedly did not want to go to church that day. The car belonged to Chisuko's sister," Rinos said.

He also questioned why Chisuko's family did not contribute to the funeral costs.

"We had to top up the funeral policy because it was not up to date. The Chisuko family, including the sister who owned the vehicle, failed to support us financially. When we sought the truth, Chisuko insisted it was an accident despite evidence from his daughter. We plan to take the matter to civil court," Rinos added.

The family also criticized Chisuko's sister for refusing to view the deceased's body or attend the gravesite during burial.

Chief Mutasa dismissed the ritual killing claims as mere speculation and reminded the court that accidents are unpredictable.

"An accident is an accident. No one plans death unless it is suicide. There is nothing wrong with Chisuko travelling with his wife to church," he said, emphasizing that Chisuko should not be punished for events he was unconscious for.

"If the relatives behaved poorly during the funeral, that is their fault, not his," Chief Mutasa stated.

He advised both families to seek spiritual guidance from traditional or faith healers if they wanted answers about the accident. However, Rinos told the court that his family had already entrusted justice to the deceased.

"As she lay in her coffin, we implored her to avenge her death. She will bring justice," Rinos said.

The dispute highlights the deep tensions and grief surrounding the tragic loss, with both families still struggling to find closure.