By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
A 61-year-old Mberengwa man has died after he was struck several times on the head and face with a farm brick by his wife during a domestic dispute, in the latest fatal incident highlighting the potentially deadly consequences of violence within families.
Manford Mchede died at Village Mnandi under Chief Chizungu in Mberengwa, Midlands Province, following the incident involving his 62-year-old wife, Thokozane Tshuma.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the couple were at their homestead when a misunderstanding developed into a violent confrontation.
“During the misunderstanding, Tshuma allegedly picked up a farm brick and struck Mchede several times on the head and face,” Mahoko said.
Police attended the scene after receiving a report at Mberengwa Police Station and found Mchede unresponsive. A blood-stained farm brick, believed to have been used in the commission of the offence, was recovered at the scene.”
Mchede’s body was taken to Mberengwa District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Tshuma was arrested and remains in police custody as investigations continue. She has not yet been convicted of any offence.
The fatality adds to concerns over domestic disputes turning violent, with police repeatedly urging couples and families to seek help before disagreements escalate into physical confrontations.
Mahoko said the Zimbabwe Republic Police condemned violence in families and intimate relationships, regardless of the circumstances surrounding disputes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemn violence, particularly violence within families and intimate relationships,” he said.
He urged people experiencing domestic disputes to seek assistance from the police, traditional leaders and other relevant authorities instead of resorting to violence.
“Citizens should desist from violence and find peaceful ways of resolving disputes before they escalate into serious incidents,” Mahoko said.
Cases of domestic violence can have devastating consequences, with disputes that initially appear to be private family matters sometimes resulting in serious injuries or death.
Police have continued to encourage members of the public to report threats and incidents of domestic violence early so that appropriate intervention can be made before situations deteriorate.
