Police Hunt Gweru Man Accused of Killing Wife in Mkoba

Mkoba suburb in Gweru

Police in Gweru are searching for a 37-year-old man suspected of murdering his wife in the high-density suburb of Mkoba. The suspect, identified as Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, is alleged to have fatally assaulted his wife, Partricia Nyathi (32), at their home in Mkoba 4 on Monday last week. Police say Baloyi, an artisanal miner originally from Mkonto Village under Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe, allegedly attacked Nyathi after accusing her of infidelity. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the suspect is believed to have fled after the incident and remains at large.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the case and appealed to members of the public for assistance in locating the suspect. Mahoko said Baloyi is a well-known artisanal miner who frequently operates in Shurugwi.

“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi to report at any police station or make use of our ZRP WhatsApp platform 0712800197,” Mahoko said.

Police said Nyathi had been living with Baloyi at the Mkoba 4 residence since December 2025. On the day of the incident, she was reportedly doing laundry outside the house when an argument broke out between the couple. Baloyi allegedly accused Nyathi of being unfaithful during the confrontation. According to police, the suspect went into the house and returned carrying a vehicle shock absorber.

However, Nyathi’s 13-year-old daughter, identified as Sibothabo Sibanda, reportedly intervened and stopped him from using it. Investigators say Baloyi then went back into the house and returned with a hammer. He allegedly struck Nyathi several times on the head with the hammer during the attack. The injuries proved fatal.

Police said Baloyi fled the scene shortly after the incident and has not yet been apprehended.

Authorities have urged anyone with information that could lead to his arrest to contact the police. The case has shocked residents in the Mkoba community, where neighbours say the couple had been living together for several months before the incident. Police investigations into the case are continuing.

Police Gweru Mkoba wife murder