Roseline Mutare
Nehemiah Mukoro (26) from Village Humarikwa, Chief Gutu, has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his wife for drinking maheu (a traditional fermented drink) from a neighbor’s house.
According to Masvingo Province police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Nehemiah Mukoro and his wife, Mitchelle Madzivadondo (27), were involved in a domestic dispute on January 15, 2025.
Inspector Dhewa stated that the trouble began when Mitchelle had maheu from a neighbor’s house, which angered Nehemiah. The couple started quarreling, and Nehemiah allegedly used a switch to assault Mitchelle, whiping her all over her body.
The following day, January 16, Mitchelle reported the incident to her father-in-law, Sungai Mudonhi, who later visited her and found her complaining of serious chest pains. Sungai then took Mitchelle to Gutu Mission Hospital where she was further transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
Nehemiah was arrested on January 18, 2025, after a police report was filed for domestic violence. He appeared before the Gutu Magistrate and was remanded in custody.
Tragically, Mitchelle passed away on January 27, 2025, at 1300 hours due to the injuries she sustained during the assault. Her body is currently at Parirenyatwa Hospital awaiting postmortem.
As a result of Mitchelle’s death, Nehemiah’s charges have been upgraded to murder, as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The police are urging the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid using violence, which can have devastating consequences.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking mediation help whenever there is a dispute,” said Inspector Dhewa.
