A 63-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Miriam Ndlouv, has been arrested for allegedly killing her 70-year-old husband, Harold Ngwenya, with an axe.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 11, in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, following a family altercation.
According to reports, Ngwenya allegedly struck his stepdaughter, Happiness Ndlouv, above her left eye with the back of an axe.The incident reportedly followed an accusation that Ngwenya was a wizard.
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Miriam allegedly intervened to protect her stepdaughter and overpowered her husband.
She then allegedly struck Ngwenya twice on the head with the axe.
Ngwenya reportedly died at the scene. Authorities later transported his body to the mortuary at Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
According to Skyz Metro Radio, the acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, confirmed the incident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police subsequently arrested Miriam as investigations continued.
The incident has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the escalation of family disputes in Zimbabwe.
Some social media users suggested that Miriam may have acted after allegedly enduring years of abuse.
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Comments included, “He was abusing her,” and “She was tired. I know a broken woman when I see her.”
Others called for her release if investigators establish that she acted after suffering prolonged abuse.
However, those claims have not been independently established by the authorities.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge, including the charges Miriam may face and her possible court appearance.
For now, Miriam remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.