Man hammers wife to death over contraceptives

A SHOCKING murder case has rocked the usually tranquil suburb of Gaza in Chipinge, with a man having allegedly attacked his wife with a metal pipe before fatally hammering a three-inch nail into her chest.

The woman died instantly from the injuries.

The incident is believed to have been sparked by a bitter dispute over claims by the wife that she was pregnant while she was taking contraceptives. The suspect has since been arrested.

Following the crime, Felix Maphosa (29) reportedly celebrated New Year’s Eve at a local nightclub, leaving his wife’s lifeless body at home.

Upon returning from the bar the next morning, Maphosa allegedly staged a break-in at his residence before filing a false report at the Chipinge Urban Police Station, claiming he had discovered his wife Elizabeth Mlambo (46) dead.

Maphosa led police to the crime scene in Gaza E suburb.

However, during intense interrogation at the house, Maphosa provided conflicting statements before confessing to the murder.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the crime of passion. He said Maphosa was enraged after discovering that Mlambo had allegedly lied about being pregnant while taking contraceptives.

“On December 31, 2024, around 3pm, Mlambo returned home from her field at Makotopeya village, Chief Mutema, and found Maphosa at home.

“A misunderstanding over infertility issues arose and Maphosa confronted Mlambo about her deception. Maphosa quizzed Mlambo on why she was lying about being pregnant while taking contraceptives,” he said.

The misunderstanding, the police official added, escalated into a physical fight.

In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly pulled an aluminium pipe from under their bed and struck the now-deceased several times on the head until she collapsed.

He allegedly hammered a three-inch nail into her chest using a claw hammer. After removing the nail, Maphosa covered the body with a sheet, locked the door and went to Dzonzayi Night Club to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“The following morning, Maphosa went home and allegedly stage-managed a break-in at his house by breaking the door and later filed a false report to the police. Luck eluded him as he gave conflicting statements.

“On January 1, 2025, around 2am, Maphosa returned home, where he forcibly broke the door to disguise the crime as if an unknown perpetrator had committed it. At around 9am, he reported the incident to Chipinge Urban Police,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.

“Police details attended the scene and during investigations found a one-metre pipe near the deceased’s bed. Maphosa, being the last person seen with his wife, was thoroughly questioned and eventually admitted to the crime of passion,” added Asst Insp Chinyoka.

The accused is reported to have voluntarily provided key evidence, including a claw hammer that was in a sack in the kitchen and the three-inch nail that was at the bedroom doorstep.

According to Asst Insp Chinyoka, the deceased’s body was taken to Chipinge District Hospital for post-mortem.

He urged couples to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasising the importance of valuing human life.

“Couples must solve marital disputes amicably through involving close relatives, trusted friends and church members. Violent confrontations are never the solution,” he said.

Maphosa has since appeared at the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court facing one count of murder.

He was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court since the lower court does not have jurisdiction over such heinous crimes. — Manica Post

Monster dad rapes daughter, burns her with cigarettes

The community of Virginia in the Free State is in shock after reports surfaced that a father allegedly abused his three-year-old daughter.

On January 3, residents confronted the man accused of raping his daughter and burning her with cigarettes.

The little girl, innocent and vulnerable, reportedly suffered terrible abuse, including sexual assault and beatings. A video shared online shows her naked, with visible injuries on her face and body, which has outraged locals.

One community member, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The father took the girl from her mother. We often heard her crying but did not know someone was hurting her.

“We were surprised when we did not see her outside for weeks. After hearing cries late at night, we called the police and they took her to the nearest hospital.”

In response to the situation, the Ahanang Banna Men’s Forum is asking parliament to think about bringing back the death penalty to help reduce crime.

Forum chairperson Pule Lekhoaba said the community needs strong measures to stop senseless violence.

Mathabo Leeto, the Free State Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for social development, visited the girl in hospital and thanked the medical staff for their care.

She urged mothers to keep their children close and offered help through her department for those who cannot care for their kids.

Captain Loraine Earle confirmed that police arrested and charged a 33-year-old man with rape and attempted murder.

“Police went to check on a report of suspected child neglect and found the girl with serious injuries,” she explained.

The accused appeared in the Virginia Magistrate Court. — Wires

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Man in trouble for assault over stolen biltong

A man who severely attacked his neighbour with fists and stones as punishment for stealing biltong has been sentenced to 350 hours of community service.

Kholwani Ndlovu (38) from Kezi in Matabeleland South province appeared before Kezi senior resident magistrate Busani Sibanda facing an assault charge.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, he was convicted after trial.

Ndlovu was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. Five months of the sentence were suspended on condition he does not commit any offence involving violence or force on a person. On failing to observe this, he would be sentenced without the option of a fine.  The remaining 10 months were further suspended on condition he performs 350 hours of community service at the Kezi Magistrates’ Court.

In passing the sentence, the magistrate stated that Ndlovu had planned to carry out the offence by going to Polani Ngwenya’s home and severely attacking him with fists and stones.

The magistrate emphasised that the public must understand that courts do not tolerate individuals who resort to violence to resolve disputes.

He advised that, instead of resorting to violence, people should engage pastors, the police or the courts.

The magistrate noted that cases of assault are prevalent in the area and, therefore, a deterrent sentence was necessary to send a strong message to potential offenders.

In a victim impact statement, Ngwenya (36) stated: “The injury left me traumatised and I suffered financial loss as I had to pay medical bills. I pray that this court will order him to reimburse me my money.”

The court heard that on November 3 last year, Ndlovu confronted Ngwenya at his homestead. He found the victim sleeping and woke him up. Ndlovu then questioned him about the alleged theft of biltong from a neighbour’s home.

An argument ensued between the two men.

Ndlovu became furious and attacked Ngwenya with fists and stones. The victim attempted to flee but Ndlovu pursued and caught up with him before inflicting further blows.

Ndlovu was eventually restrained by community members. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his   arrest. —  Bulawayo Bureau