MUTARE- Popular American author Simone Elkeles once said, “There is a thin
line between love and hate,” a line a 42 year-old Chimanimani man failed to
distinguish following the gruesome murder of his 64-year-old girlfriend last
week.

Stanley Maposa was madly in love with Loice Mbendana with the two living
separately in the same neighbourhood before they had an altercation leading to a
violent attack on Mbendana.

Manicaland police spokesperson, Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the
incident in which Mbendana was murdered over accusations of witchcraft by
her own lover.

“Mbendana went over to Maposa’s home for a night cap but to her surprise she
was met with a different reception. Maposa was accusing Mbendana of
witchcraft leading to an altercation between the two lovers,” said Insp
Muzondo.

Maposa proceeded to assault Mbendana with a log resulting in her sustaining
bruises on both elbows, left shoulder and back.

A neighbour after hearing screams for help from Mbendana rushed over only to
find her lying unconscious with Maposa’s left foot stamped on her chest.

“The neighbour was immediately told that he had dealt with the witch before
Maposa requested to get dressed. He then immediately fled the scene leaving
the neighbour to attend to Mbendana in the house,” added Inspector Muzondo.
Mbendana was ferried to Chimanimani District Hospital with the aid of the
community where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are currently on a manhunt for Maposa as investigations are still in
progress.