News / National
Woman jumps to death
18 Feb 2025 at 03:38hrs | Views
In a heart-wrenching incident of gender-based violence, 33-year-old Siphiwe Ndlovu from Burombo Flats in Bulawayo has died after allegedly being assaulted by her husband before she jumped from a third-floor window of their apartment. The shocking incident unfolded on Saturday, with Siphiwe succumbing to her injuries the following day at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Her husband, 44-year-old Meluleki Ndlovu, has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court today to face murder charges.
According to witnesses and family members, the couple had been struggling financially, which may have contributed to a series of domestic disputes and violent incidents. Siphiwe's aunt, Mrs. Patience Phiri, revealed that both Meluleki and Siphiwe were unemployed and living in dire conditions.
"Meluleki was self-employed, transporting goods in a pushcart around Renkini Bus Terminus, while my niece did piece jobs like laundry and cleaning houses. Their financial struggles added to the tension in the home, and Meluleki, who drank heavily, often beat Siphiwe," Mrs. Phiri said.
The couple had been together for 10 years and shared a nine-year-old daughter. Mrs. Phiri expressed her outrage, stating that her niece had been "killed like an animal," and vowed to ensure her death would be avenged.
The tragedy came to light when, on the night of the assault, Meluleki allegedly confronted Siphiwe over infidelity issues. Acting Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, stated that the accused, who was intoxicated at the time, locked the door to their room and began assaulting Siphiwe.
In an attempt to escape, Siphiwe managed to climb onto a sofa near the window, from where she tragically fell several meters to the ground. A neighbor who witnessed the fall retrieved the keys from her hand and unlocked the door, allowing Meluleki to come outside. Realizing the severity of her injuries, he called an ambulance and rushed her to Mpilo Central Hospital. Despite efforts to save her, Siphiwe passed away from her injuries the following day.
Meluleki was arrested after the police visited Siphiwe at the hospital and discovered that she had died from the injuries sustained in the fall.
In a statement, Assistant Inspector Msebele expressed deep sorrow over the senseless loss of life and called for an end to domestic violence. "It is disheartening that a life has been lost in such a way. We urge couples to resolve their differences amicably and not resort to violence, particularly when under the influence of alcohol," she said.
The community is mourning the loss of Siphiwe, with mourners gathering at her family home in Mzilikazi suburb, where the funeral wake is being held.
Her husband, 44-year-old Meluleki Ndlovu, has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court today to face murder charges.
According to witnesses and family members, the couple had been struggling financially, which may have contributed to a series of domestic disputes and violent incidents. Siphiwe's aunt, Mrs. Patience Phiri, revealed that both Meluleki and Siphiwe were unemployed and living in dire conditions.
"Meluleki was self-employed, transporting goods in a pushcart around Renkini Bus Terminus, while my niece did piece jobs like laundry and cleaning houses. Their financial struggles added to the tension in the home, and Meluleki, who drank heavily, often beat Siphiwe," Mrs. Phiri said.
The couple had been together for 10 years and shared a nine-year-old daughter. Mrs. Phiri expressed her outrage, stating that her niece had been "killed like an animal," and vowed to ensure her death would be avenged.
In an attempt to escape, Siphiwe managed to climb onto a sofa near the window, from where she tragically fell several meters to the ground. A neighbor who witnessed the fall retrieved the keys from her hand and unlocked the door, allowing Meluleki to come outside. Realizing the severity of her injuries, he called an ambulance and rushed her to Mpilo Central Hospital. Despite efforts to save her, Siphiwe passed away from her injuries the following day.
Meluleki was arrested after the police visited Siphiwe at the hospital and discovered that she had died from the injuries sustained in the fall.
In a statement, Assistant Inspector Msebele expressed deep sorrow over the senseless loss of life and called for an end to domestic violence. "It is disheartening that a life has been lost in such a way. We urge couples to resolve their differences amicably and not resort to violence, particularly when under the influence of alcohol," she said.
The community is mourning the loss of Siphiwe, with mourners gathering at her family home in Mzilikazi suburb, where the funeral wake is being held.
Source - The Chronicle
