Bulawayo Church Elder Remanded on Murder Charge After Wife Allegedly Killed With Axe

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Bulawayo

A 43-year-old church elder from Bulawayo's Nkulumane 5 suburb has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on allegations that he murdered his wife with an axe before assaulting their children during a violent domestic incident.

Ackim Bongani Dube appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Sikhethile Moyo on Saturday facing a charge of murder in connection with the death of his wife, Memory Makathini. Dube was not asked to plead, as murder cases are initially heard in the magistrates' court before being referred to the High Court. He was remanded in custody until 7 August 2026 and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecutor Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the alleged incident occurred at about 1 am on 24 July 2026 at the family's home in Nkulumane 5 following a domestic dispute between Dube and his wife over an undisclosed matter. According to the State, the argument escalated violently, with Dube allegedly striking Makathini twice on the head with an axe.

The prosecution alleges that she sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Following the alleged killing, Dube is accused of turning on the couple's children, assaulting them with a metal rod. The court further heard that he allegedly forced his 15-year-old son to smash windows and doors inside the family home before the children managed to flee.

According to court proceedings, the children escaped to a neighbouring house, where they sought assistance. Police were subsequently alerted and responded to the scene, leading to Dube's arrest. The injured children were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical treatment, where they remained admitted at the time the matter was heard. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

The alleged murder comes amid continued concern over gender-based violence and domestic abuse in Zimbabwe. According to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, domestic violence remains one of the country's most prevalent human rights challenges, with women and children disproportionately affected. The Commission has repeatedly called for stronger prevention measures, early intervention and greater community awareness to address violence within families.

Legal experts also note that Zimbabwe's Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16] provides legal protection for victims of physical, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, while serious offences such as murder are prosecuted under the country's criminal laws. Authorities continue to encourage victims, relatives and neighbours to report domestic violence promptly to police or social welfare authorities before disputes escalate into fatal violence. The matter was postponed to 7 August 2026 for routine remand proceedings while police complete their investigations. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bulawayo church elder murder case