Man kills wife over 'poisoned' porridge

A 34-year-old man from Bulilima District in Matabeleland South has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife after accusing her of attempting to poison him.

Honest Nkomo, of the Khame area, was convicted of murder by Justice Ngoni Nduna at the Bulawayo High Court following the killing of his 27-year-old wife, Milikani Moyo, on July 16, 2024.

The court heard that the fatal incident occurred after Nkomo returned home and allegedly found Moyo sprinkling an unidentified powder into a plate of porridge she had prepared for him.

According to the State, represented by prosecutor Wisdom Shava, an argument broke out when Nkomo demanded that Moyo eat the porridge first to prove it was safe. She reportedly refused, escalating tensions between the couple.

In a fit of rage, Nkomo attacked Moyo with a hammer, striking her on the head. He then used a pick handle to inflict further injuries, causing severe head trauma that resulted in her death at the scene.

After the attack, Nkomo left the homestead and went to inform his aunt about what had happened. The matter was subsequently reported to police in Madlambudzi, leading to his arrest.

During the trial, the prosecution presented the blood-stained hammer and pick handle used in the attack as exhibits. A post-mortem report prepared by forensic pathologist Dr. Sanganai Pesanai confirmed that Moyo died from severe head injuries.

The State also led evidence from several witnesses, including local villagers Zakhe Sibanda, Fanton Ndebele, Lethiwe Ncube, Rebecca Mpofu and Sipho Ndlovu, as well as investigating officer Sergeant Brain Kombore.

Following his conviction, Justice Nduna sentenced Nkomo to 30 years' imprisonment for the murder.

At the time of the incident, police in Matabeleland South expressed concern over an increase in fatal domestic disputes in the province and urged communities to seek peaceful ways of resolving family conflicts before they escalate into violence.