Jilted man butchers wife after she rejects reconciliation proposals

By Auther Chimbgwa

A 30-year-old Gokwe man brutally killed his wife by stabbing her several times with a knife after she had abandoned the marriage and further rejected his attempts to bring her back.

Police spokesperson for Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the murder incident and identified the suspect as Learnard Tomu of Village 24A, Headman Fakazi, Chief Chireya, Gokwe.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirms a case of murder where a 26-year-old woman died after she was stabbed with a knife by her ex-husband,” said Inspector Mahoko in a statement.

“The incident occurred at Huni Compound, near Zenda Business Centre under Chief Chireya, Gokwe North on 7 April 2026 at around 9pm.”

The now deceased Nancy Sumburani lived at Huni Compound Zenda Business Centre in Gokwe.

Circumstances are that Tomu allegedly visited Huni Compound business centre to try and pursued Sumburani to reconcile with him.

He found her at home with her sister.

The trio reportedly engaged an uncle to Sumburani, who mediated the issue.

But Sumburani refused the reconciliation advances citing Tomu’s violent behaviour.

This angered the suspect who left the place and returned after some 30 minutes to demand back a cell phone and cash amounting to US$100 which he had given her when the two were still together.

An altercation arose between the two.

Tomu, incensed, then produced a knife which he used to gruesomely stab Sumburani several times all over the body leading to her death on the spot.

Officers from Nembudziya police station attended the crime scene upon receipt of the report.

Preliminary investigations by members of the ZRP led to the arrest of Tomu.

The dead body was taken to Gokwe North District Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

The suspect is expected to appear in court soon facing murder.

“We once again implore the public to engage elders and counsellors whenever they have differences,” said Mahoko.