Pregnant woman dies after assault by lover

A 34-year-old pregnant woman from Eastview has died following an alleged assault in Ruwa, with police arresting a suspect in connection with the incident.

The deceased, Shamiso Kandalasi, was seven months pregnant at the time of her death. She was allegedly assaulted by Kenneth Chendambuya, 44, of Tarisa Park, Ruwa, on Monday at Mutamba Shopping Centre.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the presence of another woman, Patience Kazingizi, 22, who is also believed to have been in a relationship with Chendambuya.

Kazingizi said she witnessed an altercation between the pair but maintained that the dispute was not related to her.

"I did not know why they started fighting, although it happened in my presence," she said.

"I came to understand that we were both lovers of Chendambuya but, on this day, their misunderstanding had nothing to do with me."

She said she arranged transport to take Kandalasi to Mabvuku Poly Clinic, where the woman was pronounced dead.

Sources indicated that clinic staff were initially informed that the deceased had suffered pregnancy-related complications. However, other witnesses later reported the alleged assault to police, leading to Chendambuya's arrest.

Kandalasi's body was subsequently transferred to the mortuary at Parirenyatwa Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, tension reportedly emerged between relatives and associates of the deceased after some individuals allegedly diverted the body to Mutamba Shopping Centre without the consent of family members.

The dispute reportedly disrupted burial arrangements that had been planned in the Benson area of Goromonzi.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kandalasi's death are continuing.