By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
A family dispute in Matshetsheni Village, Matabeleland South Province, turned fatal after a 63-year-old woman allegedly struck her 70-year-old husband twice on the head with an axe.
Miriam Ndlovu is in police custody for allegedly killing her husband, Harold Ngwenya, following a dispute involving Ngwenya and his stepdaughter.
According to police, the incident began when Ngwenya got into an argument with his stepdaughter, Happiness Ndlovu, after she accused him of being a witch.
During the altercation, Ngwenya allegedly struck Happiness on the left eye with the blunt side of an axe.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni said Miriam intervened to protect her daughter before wresting the weapon from her husband.
“The deceased had an altercation with his stepdaughter after she accused him of being a witch. During the altercation, Ngwenya took an axe and struck his stepdaughter,” Mguni said.
“In an attempt to protect her daughter, Ndlovu intervened before snatching the axe from Ngwenya. She overpowered him, snatched the axe and struck him twice on the head. He died at the scene,” he said.
Police were called to the scene and arrested Ndlovu. Ngwenya’s body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
Asst Insp Mguni urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully through elders, traditional leaders or other appropriate channels and to avoid using dangerous weapons during conflicts.
Ndlovu is expected to appear in court soon.
