Chimanimani – A love triangle, born in the bustling heart of Nhedziwa Business Centre, has tragically culminated in a brutal stabbing, leaving a woman fighting for her life and setting the usually peaceful community of Kwanaka village abuzz.
The victim, Violet Mapungwana, a married woman who ran a food stall at the Nhedziwa centre, was viciously attacked by her lover, Gamuchirai Hungwe, on the evening of the fateful day. Hungwe, also married with his own family, allegedly accused Mapungwana of infidelity with another man, known only as Givie, and unleashed a torrent of violence upon her.
According to Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, the incident unfolded with chilling precision. Hungwe, consumed by jealousy, witnessed Mapungwana sharing a meal with Givie at her stall. This sparked a fit of rage, leading him to follow Mapungwana home, where he confronted her with accusations of betrayal.
“Hungwe and Mapungwana were having an extramarital affair, and the affair came to light when he questioned her about her relationship with another man. He claimed to have seen a man named Givie giving her a plate of porridge at her food stall,” explained Chinyoka.
The confrontation escalated into a bitter argument, culminating in Mapungwana’s decision to end their relationship. This seemingly innocuous act ignited a firestorm of fury within Hungwe, who, in a moment of unbridled rage, pulled out a knife and launched a savage attack on Mapungwana.
“On that day, around 7pm, Hungwe went to Mapungwana’s house. He questioned her and accused her of infidelity. They argued, and the woman decided to end their relationship. This angered Hungwe, who then pulled out a knife and stabbed Mapungwana in the head, chest, arms, stomach, and back,” detailed Chinyoka, painting a picture of chilling violence.
In a chilling twist, Hungwe, after inflicting these grievous wounds upon Mapungwana, allegedly took her phone and contacted her husband, informing him of the attack. The chilling call, a stark testament to the depths of his depravity, served as a cruel notification of the tragedy that had unfolded.
“Hungwe then took Mapungwana’s phone and called her husband, telling him that his wife had been stabbed by her lover. He then disappeared,” said Chinyoka, leaving a trail of questions in his wake.
Mapungwana, critically injured, was rushed to Mutambara Mission Hospital where she remains in a precarious condition, her life hanging in the balance. The severity of her injuries, including stab wounds to her head, chest, arms, stomach, and back, speaks volumes of the brutality of the attack.
The police are actively pursuing Hungwe, who remains at large. His whereabouts are unknown, and police are appealing to anyone with information regarding Hungwe’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in bringing him to justice.
