Woman jailed 4 years for killing hubby

A Mwenezi woman, Daisy Makanaka Moyo (25), has been convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to an effective four years in prison for stabbing her husband to death after confronting him at a love nest with his ex-wife.

Justice Sunsley Zisengwe handed down the sentence at the High Court in Masvingo two weeks ago. Moyo was found guilty of killing her husband, Talent Golden Masuku (40), on July 10, 2024, in a case described by the judge as a crime of passion.

The court heard that on the morning of the incident, Moyo discovered Masuku and his ex-wife, Shingirai Mativenga (44), together at a homestead near Negari Business Centre in Mwenezi, where they had spent the night after meeting following a year-long separation. Masuku and Mativenga had three children together, and he had recently decided to return to his former wife.

According to testimonies, Moyo appeared outside the hut around 5 am, attacking Mativenga with a log and biting her below the chin. Masuku intervened, trying to restrain Moyo and protect his ex-wife. During the ensuing struggle, Moyo struck Masuku on the head with a log before stabbing him in the back with a kitchen knife.

Masuku collapsed and bled heavily, succumbing to his injuries. Following the stabbing, Moyo reportedly knelt beside him, putting her head on her knees and calling out his name in apparent remorse. She also threatened to harm Mativenga further.

In her defense, Moyo claimed the stabbing was accidental amid the chaotic fight.

The court noted discrepancies regarding the number of children Moyo had with Masuku; Moyo insisted on three children, but evidence confirmed only one.

The body was taken to Mwenezi District Hospital after the matter was reported to police. Prosecutor Mike Tembo led the case against Moyo, who was represented by Collen Maboke of Ruvengo Maboke Legal Practitioners.

Justice Zisengwe's ruling reflects the complexity of the case, balancing the crime's passionate nature with the need for accountability.