Hatfield man remanded over alleged wife murder

Stephen Sarurai has been remanded in custody until October 2 after appearing in court over the alleged murder of his wife in Hatfield.

By Staff Reporter

HARARE — A 30-year-old Hatfield man accused of strangling his wife with a shoelace following a dispute over alleged infidelity has been remanded in custody on a murder charge.

Stephen Sarurai appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Lisa Mutendereki on Monday but was not asked to plead to the charge.

He was remanded in custody to October 2, 2026, and advised to apply for bail at the High Court. The State alleges that Sarurai and his wife, Zvikomborero Tari, 26, had a dispute over allegations of infidelity at their home at Maruwa Farm Compound in Hatfield on September 17.

Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo told the court that the dispute escalated, with Sarurai allegedly assaulting Tari before strangling her with a shoelace.

Relatives subsequently rushed Tari to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival, according to the State's case. Police had earlier confirmed Sarurai's arrest in connection with the death, saying the alleged killing followed a domestic dispute arising from allegations of infidelity. The case has now moved into the court process, with the prosecution required to prove the allegations against Sarurai beyond reasonable doubt should the matter proceed to trial.

Sarurai has not pleaded to the murder charge and remains entitled to due process. The circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation and the events leading to Tari's death will be considered as the case progresses. The latest court appearance follows growing concern over fatal domestic disputes in Zimbabwe, with police in recent days also reporting other cases in which allegations of infidelity were cited as a trigger for violence.

Police have repeatedly urged members of the public to seek lawful and peaceful ways of resolving domestic disputes rather than resorting to violence. Sarurai remains in custody pending his next court appearance on October 2, unless he is granted bail by the High Court before then.

Hatfield man wife murder