Woman kills stepmother in estate dispute

A 33-year-old woman from Tsholotsho has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after the High Court convicted her of murdering her stepmother following a dispute over her late father's estate.

Linah Ntombiyakwabo Mzimeli was found guilty of murdering her 58-year-old stepmother, Jennifer Dube, whose decomposing body was discovered buried in a shallow grave in the family's garden nearly four months after she disappeared.

The High Court, sitting on circuit in Hwange, heard that in the weeks before the killing, Mzimeli allegedly approached several neighbours seeking assistance to kill Dube, claiming her stepmother was refusing to share benefits from her late father's estate.

The neighbours declined to participate.

According to the prosecution, Mzimeli then allegedly indicated that she would seek help from her boyfriend, Nkosiyeza Mnkandla, who remains at large.

The court heard that after Dube's disappearance, Mzimeli repeatedly told neighbours that her stepmother had travelled to Lupane to collect a passport before proceeding to Victoria Falls to purchase goods for resale.

For several days, she reportedly visited neighbouring homesteads claiming she was afraid to stay alone while Dube was away.

Her explanation initially allayed suspicion, but concern grew as Dube failed to return home.

Police investigations took a decisive turn on September 2, 2025, after officers received information suggesting that Dube's disappearance may have involved foul play.

A search of the family homestead led to the discovery of her body buried in a shallow grave in the garden.

The body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, had been wrapped in a blanket, tied with a three-metre electric cable and concealed beneath maize stalks and a door frame.

The court heard that shortly after Dube disappeared, Mzimeli left the village and relocated to Fort Rixon, where she found employment.

During the trial, several neighbours testified that Mzimeli had openly discussed plans to kill her stepmother before the disappearance.

Police investigators also told the court that Mzimeli was the last known person seen with the deceased.

In her defence, Mzimeli denied any involvement in the killing.

She maintained that Dube had travelled to Lupane before intending to proceed to Victoria Falls and denied soliciting anyone to help kill her stepmother.

She also alleged that police had forced her to make a warned and cautioned statement.

Mzimeli further told the court that she regarded Dube as a mother figure following the death of her biological mother and insisted there had been no hostility between them.

However, the court rejected her version of events.

After considering the evidence, the court found that the State had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mzimeli, acting together with her boyfriend, strangled Dube using an electric cable before burying her body in the family garden in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Justice Nokuthula Moyo convicted Mzimeli of murder and sentenced her to 17 years' imprisonment.

The State was represented by prosecutor Mncedisi Dube, while Mzimeli was represented by Linda Mthombeni of Dube, Nkala and Company.