A horrific incident of domestic violence has shaken the community of Zengeza, leaving a two-year-old boy dead and his mother devastated.
Simbarashe Ashton Machipisa, aged 32, who is known as “Mabhutsu” at the Zengeza Shopping Centre rank where he trades as a hwindi, is accused of the brutal murder of Truth Maphosa. He allegedly strangled the toddler and slammed him against a wall in a fit of rage after his former lover, Nomsa Sengwe, 32, left him for another man, H-Metro has reported.
The incident unfolded yesterday morning when Simbarashe, a tout, arrived at Nomsa’s home in Zengeza 5. He had been unable to locate Nomsa, a hairdresser, who had spent the night at her new lover’s house after ending her relationship with Simbarashe.
Finding the house empty except for Nomsa’s five children, aged between four and fifteen, Simbarashe’s rage erupted. He allegedly strangled Truth and threw him against the wall in front of the terrified children.
The horrifying scene was witnessed by the children, who began to cry, alerting neighbours. One neighbour rushed to the house and managed to save the other children from Simbarashe while police were called to the scene.
“I found him slamming the child against the wall,” the neighbour recounted, “I grabbed both his hands, dragged him outside and used a chain to tie them.”
Simbarashe was then assaulted by residents before police arrived and arrested him. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest.
Nomsa, heartbroken and devastated, spoke to H-Metro about the tragic loss of her son and the abusive relationship she endured with Simbarashe.
“I regret falling in love with Simbarashe,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
“He was too jealous and would undress me in front of my children demanding to check my private parts and check if I had been intimate elsewhere.”
Nomsa described a pattern of violence and control that she had suffered at the hands of Simbarashe.
“At one time he assaulted me while I was naked, accusing me of cheating on him. I then asked for an amicable separation and that is when he went mad,” she revealed.
Simbarashe’s rage extended beyond physical abuse. He demanded everything he had bought for Nomsa during their two-year relationship, including her underwear and clothing. When Nomsa refused, he burnt her belongings at the gate of her parents’ house. He also broke window panes at her home, leading Nomsa to apply for a peace order against him.
Despite the peace order, Simbarashe continued to harass Nomsa. He stalked her new lover, who informed Nomsa about the threats. Fearful for her safety and that of her children, Nomsa decided to spend the night at her new lover’s house.
“I told him I had moved on and was now seeing someone else. He started to stalk my new lover, who informed me about it. I decided to spend the night with my new lover at his house. That is when Simbarashe came home early in the morning and found my children alone and killed my son,” Nomsa explained.
“How could I continue living with a violent person?” she asked, her voice breaking.
“Andiurayira mwana wangu, adirei kuparadza ropa risina mhaka naye,” she cried, lamenting the senseless loss of her son.
Simbarashe was taken to St Mary’s Police Station where he is being detained. He faces charges of murder and is expected to appear in court soon.
