AN enraged Zvimba man choked to death his estranged wife with whom he had a fight after agreeing to meet to discuss outstanding issues.
The ill-fated meeting ended with the accused person using an electric cable to strangle the heavily pregnant woman.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland West spokesperson, Inspector lan Kohwera confirmed the arrest of Bernard Kufakunesu (54) for the murder of his former wife identified as Viola Chitsinde aged 27.
“Police confirm the arrest of Bernard Kufakunesu (54) of Mwongondi Village Chief Zvimba, Kutama in connection with the murder of his ex-wife Viola Chitsinde (27), who is now deceased, of Nyakudya homestead, Chief Zvimba, Kutama.
“On October 29, 2024, the suspect arranged to meet Chitsinde at Masiyarwa Business Centre, Kutama who wanted money for a scan since she was pregnant.
“At around 2200 hours, the two had a misunderstanding and they fought. The suspect later took an electric cable and strangled Chitsinde and she passed on. This happened in full view of their 4-year-old child,” said Kohwera.
The suspect reportedly covered the body with a blanket, put it in a wheelbarrow before pushing it to Mahere Village, Chief Zvimba, Kutama where he dumped it in the bush. The body was later discovered by local villagers who were fetching firewood.
A police report was made at ZRP Kutama who attended scene and conveyed body to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for postmortem.
Investigations led to the arrest of the suspect.
The police spokesman appealed to members of the public to observe the sanctity of life.
“Police continue to urge people to value the sanctity of life. When people encounter differences, they must look for amicable ways to solve them rather than resort to violence.
“Those in estranged marital relationships are also advised to seek possible ways to communicate instead of seeing each other as this has tendencies of refreshing memories of past events leading to misunderstandings,” Kohwera said.
