Gweru – A Gweru woman, Stacey Mkandhla, 34, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for fatally stabbing her husband’s mistress, Brightness Phiri, after discovering them together in her matrimonial bed earlier this year.
The incident, which occurred on February 19th, 2024, has highlighted the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and the need for peaceful conflict resolution.
Mkandhla, who had been attending an all-night prayer session in Senga suburb, returned home unexpectedly around 4 AM to find her husband, Tafadzwa Emmanuel Munyoro, in bed with Phiri.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, commenting on the incident at the time, and said: “She returned earlier than expected in the morning. She stormed into their bedroom and found her husband and the now deceased sleeping.”
The ensuing confrontation escalated rapidly. Initially, Mkandhla attacked Phiri with her fists. However, the situation turned violent when she grabbed a kitchen knife. Munyoro intervened, taking the knife away, but Mkandhla quickly found another and stabbed Phiri multiple times—once in the head, once in the chest, and once in the back.
“The now deceased collapsed and died while fleeing naked,” Inspector Mahoko reported.
Despite managing to escape the house, collapsed and died in the street.
Mkandhla, deeply distraught by the events, handed herself over to the police at Nehanda Police Station. She was subsequently charged with murder and tried in the Gweru High Court. During the trial, Public Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari argued that Mkandhla used a dangerous weapon, targeting vital areas, with the intent to kill.
Mkandhla’s lawyer, Esau Mandipa, pleaded for leniency, citing “extreme provocation” by Phiri and claiming that Mkandhla acted in self-defence after Phiri retaliated. However, the court ultimately found Mkandhla guilty and sentenced her to 10 years in prison on Tuesday. Gweru High Court Circuit judge, Justice Naison Chivayo, presided over the case.
The tragic incident has left a deep wound on Phiri’s family. In her impact statement, Gracious Mkwananzi, Phiri’s sister, expressed profound grief and anger.
“I am deeply hurt and crushed in spirit about the incident,” she said while highlighting the family’s financial losses.
“Our family charged the boyfriend, Munyoro, 10 cattle and money as compensation, but he only paid US$1,000 for the funeral and never returned.”
Following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a public appeal for calm and peaceful conflict resolution. The NPA urged citizens to avoid violence and seek mediation when faced with disputes.
