MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Police in the Midlands have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old artisanal miner accused of brutally murdering his wife with a hammer in Mkoba 4 suburb.
Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi (pictured), also known as Khaye, is now on the police wanted list following the alleged killing of his wife, Patricia Nyathi.
According to police, the couple had been living together in Mkoba 4 since December last year before their relationship allegedly turned deadly in a violent domestic dispute.
Insp Mahoko said the fatal incident occurred last week at around 3am when Nyathi was reportedly outside the house doing her laundry.
“Baloyi allegedly followed her outside and began accusing her of infidelity, which resulted in an altercation,” said Insp Mahoko.
Police say the suspect initially went into the house and emerged with a vehicle shock absorber, allegedly intending to assault Nyathi.
However, the deceased’s 13-year-old daughter, reportedly sensed danger and intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The suspect allegedly went back into the house and returned with a hammer, which he used to strike Nyathi several times on the head,” Mahoko said.
Nyathi collapsed and died at the scene from the injuries.
After the attack, Baloyi allegedly fled and has since vanished, triggering a police manhunt.
Mahoko said investigators have been pursuing leads since the day of the offence, but the suspect remains at large.
He urged members of the public with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
