Man beheaded wife with an axe, hangs himself

A MAN from Ntabamhlophe Village in Lower Gweru beheaded his wife with an axe, chopped the severed head into pieces before hanging himself following a misunderstanding over missing cattle.

According to the Chronicle, Muziwethu Hlongwane, 27, got into an argument with his wife of eight years, Winnie Hlongwane, 50, after he allegedly sold four head of cattle and spent the money on women and beer.

Winnie was a teacher-in-charge at Ntabamhlophe Primary School and a well known member of the community.

Relatives said Muziwethu had inherited his late brother's wife, hence the age difference.

The village head, Mafanyana Magodi confirmed the grisly murder which occurred around 5PM on Wednesday.

Magodi said Winnie's daughter was also attacked and escaped with deep cuts on her head and had bruises on her body.

He said the young woman was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital where she was admitted. Her condition was said to be stable.

Magodi said after axing his wife to death, Muziwethu took an electric cord and hanged himself on a tree outside their homestead.

He said Muziwethu's body was only discovered yesterday at around 8AM.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko could not be reached for comment.