HARARE – A domestic dispute in Sally Mugabe Heights has tragically escalated, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old man and the subsequent arrest of his wife, Prisca Takaza, who now faces a murder charge. The initial incident, sparked by a mere dollar difference in the price of a gas cooker top, has culminated in a devastating loss of life.
Prisca Takaza, 29, initially arrested on Wednesday for attempted murder, now faces a more serious charge after her husband, Liberty Karikoga, succumbed to his injuries sustained during the altercation.
The tragic sequence of events unfolded when Liberty Karikoga purchased a gas cooker top for US$5, a dollar more than the US$4 alternative Prisca Takaza had suggested from a different shop. This seemingly insignificant dollar-price difference ignited a heated argument between the couple, which quickly spiralled into physical violence.
During the argument, Prisca Takaza allegedly stabbed Liberty Karikoga twice in the right chest and shoulder with a kitchen knife. He was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where he was battling for his life until his recent passing.
Harare provincial deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa confirmed the change in charges, stating that Prisca Takaza is now being held on suspicion of murder.
In a separate, unrelated incident, another Harare woman, also named Prisca Takaza and aged 29, appeared in court on Friday facing murder charges for allegedly fatally stabbing her husband during a separate domestic dispute. She was remanded in custody when she appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova.
According to prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, in this second case, the now-deceased arrived home intoxicated and joined Takaza in bed. Shortly after, an argument broke out between the couple, with the deceased accusing Takaza of infidelity, among other accusations.
The argument escalated, with the couple shouting at each other, before the deceased allegedly began assaulting Takaza. It is alleged that he choked her, causing her to fall to the floor near a dish filled with kitchen utensils.
In an attempt to defend herself, Takaza reportedly grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her husband once in the chest, resulting in his death. It is crucial to note that this second Prisca Takaza and her case are entirely separate from the first incident involving the gas cooker top dispute.
Meanwhile, police in Masvingo are appealing to families with missing male relatives to come forward and identify a body found floating in the Shakashe River near Masvingo Teachers College last Wednesday.
Masvingo Deputy Police Spokesperson Masauso Patinyu told The Mirror that the deceased is estimated to be approximately 40-years-old.
Patinyu said the body did not have any visible injuries. “The body was found in a state of decomposition and was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for postmortem. We urge families with missing male relatives to visit Rujeko Police Station or Masvingo Provincial Hospital to identify the body. We are yet to ascertain when the man died,” said Patinyu.
