Woman fatally strikes neighbour with a mattock

A 42-YEAR-OLD Fort Rixon woman allegedly fatally struck her 68-year-old neighbour twice with a mattock handle accusing her of snatching her husband.

Elina Milanzi of Glengary Village 1, sustained severe head injuries after the attack and died on her way to the United Bulawayo Hospital on Friday.

A seemingly confused Simangaliso Ncube appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sibongile Msipa yesterday charged with murder.

She claimed she did not know what led her into committing the crime and blamed evil spirits which she said were tormenting her.

Ncube said she remembers going to Milanzi's homestead but could not recall what happened after.

"I don't know why I assaulted her and I only heard of the charges from the police, I don't know anything. I don't know if it's the evil spirits or ancestral spirits," she said without elaborating.

Msipa asked if Ncube was mentally stable to which she replied "I'm normal. I've never gone insane".

Allegations against Ncube are that on June 19 this year, she removed a mattock from its handle while at her homestead before proceeding to the late Milanzi's homestead.

Upon arrival, Ncube didn't say anything to anyone. She held the mattock handle with both hands and allegedly struck Milanzi who was sitting on the veranda once on the head.

Milanzi is said to have tried to run but she instead staggered towards her kitchen hut while bleeding profusely from the head.

Ncube allegedly followed her and stuck her again on the head and she fell down.

Milanzi was later rushed to UBH but died on the way. The matter was reported to the police leading to Ncube's arrest.

Msipa remanded Ncube in custody to July 8 and asked her to apply for bail at the High Court.

Denmore Kasenza appeared for the State.