Mutare man accused of killing wife after dispute over baby left at home

Mutare man accused of killing wife after dispute over baby left at home

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Police in Manicaland are investigating the death of 41-year-old Samantha Chuma, who was found with injuries at her home in Chikanga, Mutare, after a dispute with her husband over their four-month-old baby, neighbours said.

Her husband, Tawanda Muradzikwa (34), is accused of murdering her. Residents told Zimpapers the couple’s arguments were often linked to domestic disputes and alcohol, and that there had been previous reports to police.

According to neighbours, the incident began on Wednesday night after Chuma left the baby at home under the care of other children while she went to a local bar. Tenants said Muradzikwa returned home and found the infant crying, then went to look for her at the bar.

A tenant, Petronella Gwenzi, said she later followed to the bar carrying the baby because the child continued crying. She said she found Chuma seated there and handed her the infant.

“I found Chuma seated there and handed the baby to her. She immediately started breastfeeding the child and the couple later returned home together,” Gwenzi said.

Gwenzi said that later, the couple’s oldest child, aged 12, came to her asking to borrow a torch as the baby was crying and it was dark inside the house. She said the child later returned saying she could not wake her mother to feed the infant.

“I accompanied her to the room and used my torch to light the house. I found Muradzikwa holding Chuma while they were both on the floor.

“She had a wound at the back of her head and was bleeding,” Gwenzi said.

She said other tenants were alerted and police were contacted. Gwenzi also alleged that the couple’s relationship had been marked by repeated violence, with prior police reports and a protection order.

Another neighbour, Pamela Nyagusi, said she had lived at the property for five years and had witnessed repeated domestic disputes.

“They often drank together at local bars and arguments frequently followed,” Nyagusi said, adding that she was devastated by the outcome.

The couple’s children have been placed under the care of relatives while investigations continue, neighbours said.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka referred enquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was not immediately available for comment.

When Zimpapers visited the home at house number 824 in Chikanga One on Thursday morning, police officers were still gathering evidence.

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