Man fatally stabs wife during family mediation meeting

Efforts to resolve a longstanding domestic dispute ended in tragedy after a 56-year-old man allegedly fatally stabbed his wife during a family mediation meeting in Matshiloni village.

Police said Mukhosi Shadreck Mulaudzi Muthavhatsindi allegedly attacked his wife after becoming angered by suggestions from her relatives that the couple should divorce.

The pair, who had been living in South Africa, recently returned to Zimbabwe amid escalating marital problems.

Mesuli Ncube, the officer commanding Beitbridge District, confirmed the incident and said the suspect was arrested after villagers intercepted him while he was attempting to flee.

"Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple was living together in South Africa and returned to Zimbabwe on April 24," Ncube said.

"Upon arrival, the suspect went to his home in Malala, while the deceased went to her family home in Matshiloni due to their ongoing domestic issues."

According to police, the suspect visited his in-laws' homestead on April 26 accompanied by a traditional mediator in an attempt to settle the dispute.

During the discussions, relatives of the deceased reportedly suggested that the marriage be dissolved after years of unresolved conflict.

"During deliberations, the wife's relatives suggested that the couple should divorce since they had failed to reach an amicable agreement over a long period. This did not go down well with the suspect and an argument ensued," Ncube said.

Police allege Muthavhatsindi then chased after his wife as she attempted to flee before stabbing her once in the chest.

She reportedly collapsed and died at the scene.

The suspect allegedly fled immediately after the incident but was pursued and apprehended by villagers, who later handed him over to police.

Authorities said he remains in custody pending his initial court appearance.

The victim's body was taken to a hospital for a post-mortem examination.