Teen hospitalised after husband allegedly stabs her over sex

A 15-year-old girl is fighting for her life in hospital after her 22-year-old husband allegedly stabbed her in the abdomen when she refused his demands for sex in Mabvuku, Harare.

The suspect, Tafadzwa Hwata, of Chizhanje, reportedly fled after allegedly attacking his wife, Noster Mudawarima, on Sunday. He was later found dead after allegedly ingesting rat poison.

According to reports, Hwata entered a room where Mudawarima was sleeping and demanded sexual intercourse, triggering an argument between the two.

He allegedly stabbed her once in the stomach with a knife, causing her intestines to protrude through the wound.

Hwata's mother, Irene Kawanda, told Zimpapers that the couple had been living together as husband and wife since January this year, after Mudawarima eloped to her son's home.

Kawanda said she had tried unsuccessfully to persuade the pair to wait until Mudawarima turned 18 before getting married, but they insisted they could not wait.

She said she was shocked by the attack but indicated that Mudawarima was responding well to treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Kawanda added that the family was later devastated to learn that Hwata had been found dead after allegedly drinking rat poison.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment.

Police are investigating an attempted murder case and a separate case involving alleged sexual activity with a minor at Mabvuku Police Station under reference number RRB 6944409.

The incident has raised serious concerns about violence against girls and the risks faced by children in underage unions.