Man strikes elderly woman with an axe, sets her on fire

By Auther Chimbgwa

A Lupane man allegedly struck an elderly woman with an axe on the head and further poured paraffin on her before setting his victim on fire.

Police said Sibongiseni Mfanaso Mpofu (28) committed the crime on Christine Ncube (72) while accusing her of bewitching him.

“The suspect then poured paraffin on the complainant before setting her on fire,” police said on their X handle, adding that Mpofu has since been arrested facing attempted murder.

Ncube sustained severe burns as a result of the attack, police said.

She was rescued from further harm by other villagers and was taken to St Luke’s hospital where, because of the severity of her injuries, she was further transferred to Mpilo hospital in Bulawayo.