-as he forces reconciliation
Roseline Mutare
A 30-year-old man from Sikomo Village under Chief Maranda in Mwenezi is on the run after allegedly killing his wife Noleen Rivete (27), and injuring his mother-in-law in a violent dispute.
According to Masvingo Province police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa the accused, Trust Bhonde, had a domestic dispute with his wife on January 7, which led to Noleen seeking refuge at her parents’ house.
Five days later, on January 12, at around 8 pm, Bhonde went to his in-laws’ house, demanding to take his wife back home.
However, Noleen refused, and her father advised Bhonde to return during the day to resolve the dispute.
Dhewa said Bhonde refused and threatened to commit suicide. He eventually agreed to leave, but only to return later, setting the kitchen hut on fire, where his wife, 4-month-old baby, and mother-in-law were sleeping.
As the family escaped the burning hut, Bhonde attacked his wife and mother-in-law with a hoe handle and an unknown sharp object. Noleen sustained a deep cut on the head and left ear, bleeding profusely before collapsing and dying.
The mother-in-law was injured on the left hand. Bhonde then fled the scene, and a police report was made at ZRP Maranda base. Noleen’s body was taken to Neshuro District Hospital for a post-mortem.
“We appeal to the public not to use violence to solve disputes and to help in the location of the suspect,” said Dhewa.
The police are urging anyone with information on Bhonde’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in bringing him to justice.
