Man kills wife with a hammer

A domestic dispute allegedly fuelled by accusations of infidelity ended in tragedy in Mutare on Sunday after a man allegedly beat his wife to death with a hammer at their home in Natview Park, Chikanga.

Blessing Makamba, 30, is accused of killing his wife, Rumbidzai Matasva, 27, at House Number 9008. The incident was reportedly witnessed by the couple's seven-year-old daughter.

The couple are said to have been experiencing longstanding marital problems, with Makamba allegedly accusing his wife of being unfaithful.

Sources familiar with the matter said tensions escalated on Sunday, culminating in a violent confrontation during which Makamba allegedly struck Matasva repeatedly on the head and face with a hammer.

Matasva reportedly sustained severe injuries and is believed to have died at the scene. Makamba allegedly fled after the incident, leaving her body in the house with the couple's two minor children.

The incident came to light at around 6.10pm after a fellow tenant returned home and found the children crying. The children reportedly told the tenant that their mother had died.

The tenant said they opened the door and found Matasva lying motionless on the floor, with blood covering parts of the room.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka referred questions to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who could not be reached for comment.

Investigations are underway, and police are reportedly searching for Makamba.

The incident has shocked Natview Park residents and renewed concerns about domestic violence, particularly where children are exposed to violent confrontations within their homes.

It also follows another fatal domestic violence incident in Chikanga about four months ago, in which Samantha Chuma, 41, allegedly died after being assaulted by her husband, Tawanda Muradzikwa, 34.

According to neighbours, the dispute began after Chuma left their four-month-old baby at home in the care of her other children while she went to a local bar.

Muradzikwa allegedly found the infant crying when he returned home and went to the bar, where Chuma was reportedly breastfeeding the baby. The couple later returned home, where the violence allegedly escalated, resulting in Chuma's death.

The couple's children were subsequently placed in the care of relatives.

The two incidents highlight the devastating consequences of domestic violence on families, with children left to witness traumatic events and face uncertainty following the loss of a parent.