A WOMAN from Masvingo died yesterday from injuries sustained after she was allegedly struck with a hoe handle by her husband for “ignoring” his phone calls, police confirmed. Timothy Chiminya, whose age was not given, allegedly struck Delight Mutuvira, 23, several times on the head and body with a hoe handle.
Witnesses said Mutuvira screamed for help during the attack, attracting a female neighbour who alerted other villagers.
Upon seeing the villagers, Chiminya of Village 15 in Bhuka, Mushandike Resettlement area under Chief Charumbira, fled from the scene leaving his victim lying in a pool of blood.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred on Thursday at around 11PM and a manhunt had been launched for Chiminya.
“I can confirm receiving a report of a woman in Bhuka area in Mushandike Resettlement who was allegedly struck to death by her husband over some misunderstanding.
“The woman died on her way to hospital this morning. The suspect fled from the scene and police have since launched a manhunt,” said Insp Mazula.
She said Mutuvira bled from the nose and mouth and was rushed to a local clinic. Insp Mazula said Mutuvira later died on her way to Masvingo General Hospital where she had been referred to.
“The deceased’s body was taken to Masvingo General mortuary where it is awaiting post-mortem,” she said. A villager, Gladys Gumbochuma, said Chiminya had a history of spousal abuse.
She said on the fateful day, he accused Mutuvira of having ignored his phone calls earlier in the day. Chiminya was coming from a beer drink when he confronted his wife.
“On Thursday afternoon while at a beer drink, Chiminya phoned his wife’s mobile phone. It was not picked and he became angry,” said Gumbochuma.
“When he arrived at home at around 11PM, Chiminya asked why Mutuvira had been ignoring his calls. She told him her phone was on a charger. A dispute arose leading to the tragedy,” said Gumbochuma.
Chiminya is alleged to have picked a hoe handle before striking Mutuvira several times on the head and body leaving her for dead.
“Mutuvira screamed for help leading to a neighbour, Melody Makava, to wake up. Makava rushed to the scene only to find Chiminya striking his wife who was on the ground.
“She then called other villagers. Chiminya fled on seeing other villagers,” Gumbochuma said.
The villagers found Mutuvira lying on the ground writhing in agony in a pool of blood.
A report was made to the police who attended the scene.-Chronicle
