As the country observes 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a female teacher at Chiriseri Secondary School lost her life at the brutal hands of her husband.
The deceased, Ratidzai Mufari (43) reportedly endured abuse from her husband Marvellous Demojena who constantly accused her of infidelity.
On the fateful day, Demojena, who was based in Harare, visited his wife at the school quarters on Thursday at around 11pm in a Toyota Hilux.
The provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said Demojena was received by their daughter Tapiwa (12) since Mufari was fast asleep.
Insp Mundembe said Demojena had a history of quarreling with his wife accusing her of infidelity.
He started quarreling with his wife and went into the sitting room where he locked the main door and took the keys.
He ordered Tapiwa to go to bed.
The quarreling continued and Tapiwa heard her mother crying and shouting for help.
Demojena returned to the sitting room and placed back the lock with its keys dangling.
When Demojena went back into the bedroom, Tapiwa unlocked the door and looked for help.
Demojena also went out to the neighbouring staff quarter where a male teacher Mr Albert Mawere (43) resided.
He forced open the door and attacked him thrice on the head with a sharp object before fracturing his left hand.
Mr Mawere shouted for help and people rushed to assist him while others rushed to assist Ms Mufari.
Demojena drove off to Harare where he attempted to commit suicide by drinking poison.
He was arrested and is in hospital under police custody.
Ms Mufari was found lying unconscious on her back and having difficulties breathing.
Both were rushed to Chiriseri Clinic, two kilometres away from the school where Ms Mufari was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The deceased’s body had six deep cuts on her face, swollen ribs and swollen right hand.
Mr Mawere sustained three deep cuts on the head and a broken left arm and was referred to Bindura Hospital.
“This is a sad incident which happened as the country is observing 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. We are appealing to couples to respect life and their marriages,” said Insp Mundembe.
“Those aggrieved must not take the law into their hands. Seek counselling; a problem shared is a problem half solved.”
