A horrifying incident of domestic violence has emerged from Nyanga, leaving a community reeling and highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked marital disputes. Benjamin Mhungira of Samusodza village allegedly murdered his wife before setting her body ablaze.
The details of the incident are deeply disturbing. It is alleged that after attending a church service with his wife, Mhungira launched a brutal attack, striking her twice on the head with an iron bar. He then escalated the violence, placing a gas tank under their bed and setting it alight before locking the burning house with his wife trapped inside.
The scene that followed was horrific. Mrs Mhungira’s body was tragically burned beyond recognition, with only her charred chest and partial legs remaining visible. The ferocity of the attack and the deliberate nature of the act underscore the extreme level of violence involved.
Mhungira’s alleged cruelty extended beyond the murder of his wife. It is reported that he had previously targeted his sons, destroying groceries they had purchased, claiming they favoured their mother. This suggests a pattern of controlling and abusive behaviour that tragically culminated in the murder.
Following the heinous crime, Mhungira attempted to take his own life by consuming poison and throwing himself into a nearby well. However, he was apprehended by members of the community who subsequently handed him over to the police. During his arrest, he reportedly confessed to the murder, providing details of how he orchestrated the attack.
The victim’s torso was laid to rest in Samusodza village, Nyanga, on Saturday. Meanwhile, Mhungira remains in pretrial detention, awaiting his trial and facing serious charges for the brutal murder of his wife. The incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to combat domestic violence.
Marriage counsellor Apostle Luckson Chari offered his perspective on the issue, advising: “My advice to the nation is that whenever you are abused in a marriage, you must live separately and move on with your life before you are killed. When they are staying together, they are accustomed to each other. But when they separate, sometimes that separation will cause them to miss each other. So, when they come together again after the temporary separation, they will be able to stay together and live a few lessons.” His comments highlight the importance of seeking help and separating to de-escalate volatile situations.
