Harare, (New Ziana) – A man from Chipinge, Manicaland province, who repeatedly assaulted his wife over infidelity claims until she collapsed and died, has appeared in court on a charge of murder.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the man was not formally charged when he appeared before the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court for confirmation of statements and initial remand.

The murder charge arose from an incident that the NPAZ described as horrific, that occurred on February 22 this year.

The man had been away from home for 18 days when he met his wife at Siyachipo Car Wash in the southeastern border town, and accused her of infidelity prompting the beginning of a brutal assault.

He allegedly continued assaulting the woman all the way to their home where their landlord tried unsuccessfully to restrain the enraged man, who also attacked the woman’s friend.

The assault persisted as the accused took his wife to the maize fields, where he ultimately assaulted her until she died.

In an attempt to cover up the crime, the man covered the woman’s body with a blanket and white cloth. He then returned home, gathered some belongings, and burned them near the crime scene.

The body was discovered in March by a local resident who was visiting her maize fields with detectives eventually arresting the man at Holland Business Centre in Chipinge on Wednesday last week.

The man was remanded in custody to March 28 this year and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.

New Ziana